Portable wireless mobile device motion capture and analysis system and method

ABSTRACT

Portable wireless mobile device motion capture and analysis system and method configured to display motion capture/analysis data on a mobile device. System obtains data from motion capture elements and analyzes the data. Enables unique displays associated with the user, such as 3D overlays onto images of the user to visually depict the captured motion data. Ratings associated with the captured motion can also be displayed. Predicted ball flight path data can be calculated and displayed. Data shown on a time line can also be displayed to show the relative peaks of velocity for various parts of the user&#39;s body. Based on the display of data, the user can determine the equipment that fits the best and immediately purchase the equipment, via the mobile device. Custom equipment may be ordered through an interface on the mobile device from a vendor that can assemble-to-order customer built equipment and ship the equipment. Includes active and passive golf shot count capabilities.

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Utility patentapplication Ser. No. 13/191,309 filed 26 Jul. 2011, which is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No.13/048,850 filed 15 Mar. 2011, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S.Utility patent application Ser. No. 12/901,806 filed 11 Oct. 2010, whichis a continuation-in-part of U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No.12/868,882 filed 26 Aug. 2010, the specifications of which are herebyincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

One or more embodiments setting forth the ideas described throughoutthis disclosure pertain to the field of portable wireless mobile devicecomputer systems, radio frequency identification and optionally motioncapture elements such as visual markers and sensors utilized in thecapture of motion data. More particularly, but not by way of limitation,one or more aspects of the disclosure enable a portable wireless mobiledevice motion capture and analysis system and method.

2. Description of the Related Art

One known technique to teach effective body mechanics utilizes videorecording of an athlete and analysis of the recorded video of anathlete. This technique has various limitations including inaccurate andinconsistent subjective analysis based on video for example. Anothertechnique includes motion analysis, for example using at least twocameras to capture three-dimensional points of movement associated withan athlete. Known implementations utilize a stationary multi-camerasystem that is not portable and thus cannot be utilized outside of theenvironment where the system is installed, for example during anathletic event such as a golf tournament. These fixed installations areextremely expensive as well. Such prior techniques are summarized inU.S. Pat. No. 7,264,554, filed 26 Jan. 2006, which claims the benefit ofU.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/647,751 filed 26 Jan.2005, the specifications of which are both hereby incorporated herein byreference. Both disclosures are to the same inventor of the subjectmatter of the instant application.

Known systems generally utilize several passive or active markers orseveral sensors. There are no known systems that utilize as little asone visual marker or sensor and a mobile device to analyze and displaymotion capture data associated with a user and/or piece of equipment.

There are no known systems that allow for a group of mobile devices toshare data to form three-dimensional motion capture data bytriangulation of visual markers. There are no known systems that allowfor a mobile device without a camera to obtain images from cameras orother mobile devices with cameras to display motion capture data.

There are no known mobile motion captures systems that allow for a userto align a camera correctly along the horizontal before capture ofmotion data having horizontally aligned images.

There are no known systems that allow for motion capture elements suchas wireless sensors to seamlessly integrate or otherwise couple with agolf club, for example in the weight port of a golf club or at the endshaft near the handle so as to provide a wireless golf club, configuredto capture motion data. In addition, there are no known systems thatallow for motion capture elements such as wireless sensors to seamlesslyintegrate or couple with shoes, gloves, shirts, pants, belts, or otherequipment, or a user, in such a small format that the user is not awarethat the sensors are located in these items.

In addition, for sports that utilize a piece of equipment and a ball,there are no known portable wireless mobile device motion capture andanalysis systems that allow the user to obtain immediate visual feedbackregarding ball flight distance, swing speed, swing efficiency of thepiece of equipment or how centered an impact of the ball is, i.e., whereon piece of equipment the collision of the ball has taken place.

In addition, there are no known systems that provide portable wirelessmobile device motion capture and analysis for equipment fitting andsubsequent point-of-sale decision making for instantaneous purchasing ofequipment that fits an athlete. Furthermore, no known systems allow forcustom order fulfillment such as assemble-to-order (ATO) for customorder fulfillment of sporting equipment, for example equipment that isbuilt to customer specifications based on portable wireless mobiledevice motion capture and analysis, and shipped to the customer tocomplete the point of sales process.

In addition, known systems for counting golf shots are cumbersome andrequire electronics on each golf club and/or switches that a user isrequired to operate. In addition, known devices also require activeelectronics, and therefore batteries in each golf club to operate. Thereare no known systems that allow a golfer to easily record a shot andlocation of a shot automatically and/or prompt a user to remember torecord each shot for a particular club without a battery and activeelectronics on the club, for example that is not a practice shot.

For at least the limitations described above there is a need for aportable wireless mobile device motion capture and analysis system andmethod.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention enable a portable wireless mobile devicemotion capture and analysis system and method. Utilizing this systemenables a user to perform motion capture and/or display with anapplication for example that executes on mobile device having a visualdisplay and an optional camera and capable of obtaining data from atleast one motion capture element such as a visual marker and/or awireless sensor. The system can also integrate with standalone cameras,or cameras on multiple mobile devices. The system also enables the userto analyze and display the motion capture data in a variety of ways thatprovide immediate easy to understand graphical information associatedwith the motion capture data. Motion capture elements utilized in thesystem intelligently store data for example related to events associatedwith striking a ball and eliminate false events. In addition, the datamay be stored for example for more than one event associated with thesporting equipment, for example multiple bat swings or for an entireround of golf or more if necessary at least until the data is downloadedto a mobile device or to the Internet. Data compression of captured datamay also be utilized to store more motion capture data in a given amountof memory. Motion capture elements utilized in the system may also beconfigured to intelligently power down portions of their circuitry tosave power, for example power down transceivers until motion is detectedof a certain type.

Embodiments of the invention directed at golf also enable golf shots foreach club associated with a golfer to be counted through use of anidentifier such as RFID tags on each club (or optionally via anidentifier associated with motion capture electronics on a golf club orobtained remotely over the radio) and a mobile computer, for example anIPHONE® equipped with an RFID reader that concentrates the processingfor golf shot counting on the mobile computer instead of on each golfclub. Embodiments of the invention may also allow for the measurement oforientation (North/South, and/or two horizontal axes and the verticalaxis) and acceleration using an inertial measurement unit, oraccelerometers and/or magnetometers, and/or gyroscopes. This is notrequired for golf shot counting, although one or more embodiments maydetermine when the golf club has struck a golf ball through vibrationanalysis for example and then query a golfer whether to count a shot ornot. This functionality may be combined with speed or accelerationthreshold or range detection for example to determine whether the golfclub was travelling within an acceptable speed or range, or accelerationor range for the “hit” to count. Wavelets may also be utilized tocompare valid swing signatures to eliminate count shots or eliminatefalse strikes for example. This range may vary between different clubs,for example a driver speed range may be “greater than 30 mph” while aputter speed range may be “less than 20 mph”, any range may be utilizedwith any club as desired, or the speed range may be ignored for example.Alternatively or in combination, the mobile computer may only query thegolfer to count a shot if the golfer is not moving laterally, i.e., in agolf cart or walking, and/or wherein the golfer may have rotated ortaken a shot as determined by a orientation or gyroscope sensor coupledwith the mobile computer. The position of the stroke may be shown on amap on the mobile computer for example. In addition, GPS receivers withwireless radios may be placed within the tee markers and in the cups togive daily updates of distances and helps with reading putts and greensfor example. The golfer may also wear virtual glasses that allow thegolfer to see the golf course map, current location, distance to thehole, number of shots on the current hole, total number of shots and anyother desired metric. If the user moves a certain distance, asdetermined by GPS for example, from the shot without counting the shot,the system may prompt the user on whether to count the shot or not. Thesystem does not require a user to initiate a switch on a club to count ashot and does not require LED's or active or battery powered electronicson each club to count shots. The mobile computer may also acceptgestures from the user to count a shot or not count a shot so that thegolfer does not have to remove any gloves to operate the mobilecomputer. For embodiments that utilize position/orientation sensors, thesystem may only count shots when a club is oriented vertically forexample when an impact is detected. The apparatus may also includeidentifiers that enable a specific apparatus to be identified. Theidentifiers may be a serial number for example. The identifier forexample may originate from an RFID tag on each golf club, or optionallymay include a serial number or other identifier associated with motioncapture elements associated with a golf club. Utilizing this apparatusenables the identification of a specific golfer, specific club and alsoenables motion capture and/or display with a system that includes atelevision and/or mobile device having a visual display and an optionalcamera and capable of obtaining data from at least one motion captureelement such as a visual marker and/or a wireless sensor. The system canalso integrate with standalone cameras, or cameras on multiple mobiledevices. The system also enables the user to analyze and display themotion capture data in a variety of ways that provide immediate and easyto understand graphical information associated with the motion capturedata. The apparatus enables the system to also determine how “centered”an impact is with respect to a ball and a piece of equipment, such as agolf club for example. The system also allows for fitting of equipmentincluding shoes, clubs, etc., and immediate purchasing of the equipmenteven if the equipment requires a custom assemble-to-order request from avendor.

For example, embodiments that utilize motion capture elements allow foranalyzing the data obtained from the apparatus and enable thepresentation of unique displays associated with the user, such as 3Doverlays onto images of the body of the user to visually depict thecaptured motion data. In addition, these embodiments may also utilizeactive wireless technology such as BLUETOOTH® Low Energy for a range ofup to 50 meters to communicate with a golfer's mobile computer.Embodiments of the invention also allow for display of queries forcounting a stroke for example as a result of receiving a golf club ID,for example via an RFID reader or alternatively via wirelesscommunication using BLUETOOTH® or IEEE 802.11 for example. Use ofBLUETOOTH® Low Energy chips allows for a club to be in sleep mode for upto 3 years with a standard coin cell battery, thus reducing requiredmaintenance. One or more embodiments of the invention may utilize morethan one radio, of more than one technology for example. This allows fora level of redundancy that increases robustness of the system. Forexample, if one radio no longer functions, e.g., the BLUETOOTH® radiofor example, then the IEEE 802.11 radio may be utilized to transfer dataand warn the golfer that one of the radios is not functioning, whilestill allowing the golfer to record motion data and count shotsassociated with the particular club. For embodiments of the inventionthat utilize a mobile device (or more than one mobile device) withoutcamera(s), sensor data may be utilized to generate displays of thecaptured motion data, while the mobile device may optionally obtainimages from other cameras or other mobile devices with cameras. Forexample, display types that may or may not utilize images of the usermay include ratings, calculated data and time line data. Ratingsassociated with the captured motion can also be displayed to the user inthe form of numerical or graphical data with or without a user image,for example an “efficiency” rating. Calculated data, such as a predictedball flight path data can be calculated and displayed on the mobiledevice with or without utilizing images of the user's body. Datadepicted on a time line can also be displayed with or without images ofthe user to show the relative peaks of velocity for various parts of theequipment or user's body for example. Images from multiple camerasincluding multiple mobile devices, for example from a crowd of golffans, may be combined into a BULLET TIME® visual effect characterized byslow motion of the golf swing shown from around the golfer at variousangles at normal speed.

Motion capture data can be tweeted to a social network during or afterplay. For example, if a new power factor maximum has been obtained, thesystem can automatically tweet the new information to a social networksite so that anyone connected to the Internet may be notified. The datauploaded to the Internet, i.e., a remote database or remote server ormemory remote to the system may be viewed, analyzed or data mined by anycomputer that may obtain access to the data. This allows for originalequipment manufacturers to determine for a given user what sportingequipment is working best and/or what equipment to suggest. Data miningalso enables the planning of golf courses based on the metadataassociated with users, such as age, or any other demographics that maybe entered into the system. Remote storage of data also enables medicalapplications such as morphological analysis, range of motion over time,and diabetes prevention and exercise monitoring and complianceapplications. Other applications also allow for games that use realmotion capture data from other users, or historical players whetheralive or dead after analyzing videos of the historical players forexample. Virtual reality and augmented virtual reality applications mayalso utilize the motion capture data or historical motion data.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, fixed cameras such as at agolf tournament or other sporting event can be utilized with a wirelessinterface located near the player/equipment having motion captureelements so as to obtain, analyze and display motion capture data. Inthis embodiment, real-time or near real-time motion data can bedisplayed on the video for augmented video replays. An increase in theentertainment level is thus created by visually displaying how fastequipment is moving during a shot, for example with rings drawn around aplayers hips and shoulders. Embodiments of the invention also allowimages or videos from other players having mobile devices to be utilizedon a mobile device related to another user so that users don't have toswitch mobile phones for example. In one embodiment, a video obtained bya first user for a piece of sporting equipment in motion that is notassociated with the second user having the video camera equipped mobilephone may automatically transfer the video to the first user for displaywith motion capture data associated with the first user.

Based on the display of data, the user can determine the equipment thatfits the best and immediately purchase the equipment, via the mobiledevice. For example, when deciding between two golf clubs, a user cantake swings with different clubs and based on the analysis of thecaptured motion data and quantitatively determine which club performsbetter. Custom equipment may be ordered through an interface on themobile device from a vendor that can assemble-to-order customer builtequipment and ship the equipment to the user for example. Shaft lengthsfor putters for example that are a standard length can be custom madefor a particular user based on captured motion data as a user putts withan adjustable length shaft for example.

Embodiments of the system may utilize a variety of sensor types. In oneor more embodiments of the invention, active sensors may integrate witha system that permits passive or active visual markers to be utilized tocapture motion of particular points on a user's body or equipment. Thismay be performed in a simply two-dimensional manner or in athree-dimensional manner if the mobile device is configured with two ormore cameras, or if multiple cameras or mobile devices are utilized tocapture images such as video and share the images in order to createtriangulated three-dimensional motion data from a set of two-dimensionalimages obtained from each camera. Another embodiment of the inventionmay utilize inertial measurement units (IMU) or any other sensors thatcan produce any combination of orientation, position, velocity and/oracceleration information to the mobile device. The sensors may thusobtain data that may include any combination of one or more valuesassociated with orientation (vertical or North/South or both), position(either via through Global Positioning System, i.e., “GPS” or throughtriangulation), velocity (in all three axes), acceleration (in all threeaxes).

In one or more embodiments of the invention, a sensor may be utilizedthat includes a passive marker or active marker on an outside surface ofthe sensor, so that the sensor may also be utilized for visual tracking(either two-dimensional or three-dimensional) and for orientation,position, velocity, acceleration or any other physical quantity producedby the sensor. Visual marker embodiments of the motion captureelement(s) may be passive or active, meaning that they may either have avisual portion that is visually trackable or may include a lightemitting element such as a light emitting diode (LED) that allows forimage tracking in low light conditions. This for example may beimplemented with a graphical symbol or colored marker at the end of theshaft near the handle or at the opposing end of the golf club at thehead of the club.

The sensors utilized with embodiments of the apparatus may be generallymounted on or near one or more end or opposing ends of a golf club andmay integrate with other sensors coupled to equipment, such as shoes,pants, shirts, gloves, clubs, bats, racquets, balls, etc., and/or may beattached to a user in any possible manner. For example, one or moreembodiments of the sensor can fit into a weight port of a golf club,and/or in the handle end of the golf club. Other embodiments may fitinto the handle of, or end of, a tennis racquet or baseball bat forexample. One or more embodiments of the invention may also operate withballs that have integrated sensors as well. Alternatively, the systemmay calculate the virtual flight path of a ball that has come in contactwith equipment moved by a player. For example with a golf club having asensor integrated into a weight port of other portion of the end of theclub striking the golf ball and having a second sensor located in thetip of the handle of the golf club, or in one or more gloves worn by theplayer, an angle of impact can be calculated for the club. By knowingthe loft of the face of the club, an angle of flight may be calculatedfor the golf ball. In addition, by sampling the sensor at the end of theclub at a high enough speed to determine oscillations indicative ofwhere on the face of the club the golf ball was struck, a quality ofimpact may be determined. These types of measurements and the analysisthereof help an athlete improve, and for fitting purposes, allow anathlete to immediately purchase equipment that fits correctly.

One or more embodiments of the sensor may contain charging features suchas mechanical eccentric weight, as utilized in some watches known as“automatic” or “self-winding” watches, optionally including a smallgenerator, or inductive charging coils for indirect electromechanicalcharging of the sensor power supply. Other embodiments may utilize plugsfor direct charging of the sensor power supply or electromechanical ormicroelectromechanical (MEMS) based charging elements. Any other type ofpower micro-harvesting technologies may be utilized in one or moreembodiments of the invention. One or more embodiments of the sensor mayutilize power saving features including gestures that power the sensoron or off. Such gestures may include motion, physical switches, contactwith the sensor, wireless commands to the sensor, for example from amobile device that is associated with the particular sensors. Otherelements that may couple with the sensor includes a battery, low powermicrocontroller, antenna and radio, heat sync, recharger and overchargesensor for example. In addition, embodiments of the invention allow forpower down of some or all of the components of the system until anelectronic signal from accelerometers or a mechanical switch determinesthat the club has moved for example.

A user may also view the captured motion data in a graphical form on thedisplay of the mobile device or for example on a set of glasses thatcontains a video display. The captured motion data obtained fromembodiments of the motion capture element may also be utilized toaugment a virtual reality display of user in a virtual environment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the ideasconveyed through this disclosure will be more apparent from thefollowing more particular description thereof, presented in conjunctionwith the following drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the system that enables a portablewireless mobile device motion capture and analysis system.

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of the overall modes of the softwareprogrammed to execute on the computer of the mobile device, wherein thecomputer is configured to recognize the motion capture elements, obtaindata, analyze the data and display motion analysis data.

FIG. 3 illustrates displays associated with FIG. 2 in greater detail.

FIG. 4 illustrates and embodiment of the recognition module that isconfigured to assign particular sensors to particular locations on anathlete and/or on a piece of equipment.

FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of the obtain data module that isconfigure to obtain data from a camera (optionally on the mobile deviceor obtain through another camera or camera on another mobile device),data from motion capture elements, i.e., any combination of visualmarkers or sensors as assigned to particular portions of the user's bodyor piece of equipment. In addition, the figure shows displays dataanalyzed by the analysis module and generated by the display module toshow either the user along with motion analysis data, or with motionanalysis data alone.

FIG. 6 illustrates a detailed drill down into the motion analysis datato display including overall efficiency, head, torso, hip, hand, club,left and right foot segment efficiencies. Embodiments of the inventionthus enable physical training specific to the area that a user needs asdetermined by the analysis module.

FIG. 7 illustrates a close up display of motion analysis data associatedwith a user, without use of an image associated with a user.

FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of the motion capture element thatoptionally includes a visual marker and/or sensor.

FIG. 9 illustrates a front view of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment of the motion capture elementimplemented with a passive marker and gray scale images thereof to showhow the marker can be tracked by obtaining an image and searching for aluminance change from black to white.

FIG. 11 illustrates a hardware implementation of the sensor portion of amotion capture element implemented as a wireless inertial measurementunit, and an embodiment as configured to couple with a weight port of agolf club for example.

FIG. 12 illustrates an embodiment of the motion capture element asconfigured to couple with different golf club types and a shoe.

FIG. 13 illustrates a close-up of the shoe of FIG. 12 along with apressure map of a shoe configured with a pressure mat inside the shoeconfigured to output pressure per particular areas of the shoe.

FIG. 14 illustrates an embodiment of sunglasses configured with anembodiment of the motion capture element.

FIG. 15 illustrates an embodiment of a display that depicts the locationof a golf ball strike as determined by the oscillations in the golf clubface during and/or after the golf club impacts a golf ball.

FIG. 16 illustrates a camera alignment tool as utilized with embodimentsof the system to create normalized images for capture and analysis.

FIG. 17 illustrates a balance box and center alignment line to aid incentering a user to obtain image data.

FIG. 18 illustrates a balance box and center alignment line, along withprimary and secondary shaft lines to aid in centering and analyzingimages of the user.

FIG. 19 illustrates an embodiment of the display configured to aid inclub fitting for a user, wherein a user may test multiple clubs andwherein the display shows motion analysis data. For embodiments of theinvention may be utilized to obtain sensor data that is utilized forpurchase and order fulfillment options, buttons such as “purchase” and“customer order” may be utilized.

FIG. 20 illustrates an embodiment of the display configured to displaymotion analysis data along with the user, some of which is overlaid ontothe user to aid in understanding the motion analysis data in a morehuman understandable format. In addition, motion analysis dataassociated with the user can be shown numerically as shown for exampleas “efficiency” of the swing, and the velocity of the swing.

FIG. 21 illustrates an embodiment of the system configured to display auser from multiple angles when multiple cameras are available. One ormore embodiments of the system may show one image of the user at a timein slow motion as the user moves, while changing the angle of the viewof the user in normal time, which is known as BULLET TIME®.

FIG. 22 illustrates another embodiment of the multi-angle display as isalso shown in FIG. 21 wherein this figure also includesthree-dimensional overlay graphics to aid in understanding the motionanalysis data in a more human understandable manner.

FIG. 23 shows an embodiment of the system configured to display motionanalysis data on a mobile computer, personal computer, IPAD® or anyother computer with a display device large enough to display the desireddata.

FIG. 24 illustrates a timeline display of motion analysis data thatshows multiple sensor angular velocities in reference to the world orfor example to a portion of the piece of equipment or object to hit or avirtual spine or a boney landmark, as obtained from sensors on a userand/or on a piece of equipment.

FIG. 25 illustrates a timeline display of motion analysis data thatshows multiple sensor angular speeds obtained from multiple sensors on asecond user and on a piece of equipment. Efficient movement pattern ofbody segments know as a kinetic chain and of kinematic segmentalsequencing.

FIG. 26 illustrates a timeline display of a user along with peak andminimum angular speeds along the timeline shown as events along the timeline instead of as Y-axis data as shown in FIGS. 24 and 25. In addition,a graph showing the lead and lag of the golf club along with the droopand drift of the golf club is shown in the bottom display wherein thesevalues determine how much the golf club shaft is bending in two axes asplotted against time.

FIG. 27 illustrates a display of the calculated flight path of a ballbased on the motion analysis data wherein the display is associated withany type of computer, personal computer, IPAD® or any other type ofdisplay capable of displaying images.

FIG. 28 illustrates a display of the calculated flight path of a ballbased on motion analysis data wherein the display is coupled with amobile device.

FIG. 29 illustrates a display of a broadcast television event wherein atleast one motion capture element in the form of a motion sensor iscoupled with the golf club and optionally the user. The display can beshown in normal time after the athlete strikes the ball, or in slowmotion with motion analysis data including the three-dimensional overlayof the position of the sensor on the end of the club shown as a traceline and including the angle of the plane in which the swing takes placeversus the horizontal plane. In addition, other motion analysis data maybe shown such as the swing speed, distance (calculated or actual) andefficiency.

FIG. 30 illustrates a display of the swing path with a strobe effectwherein the golf club in this example includes sensors on the club headand hear the handle, or optionally near the hands or in the gloves ofthe user. Optionally, imaged based processing from a high speed cameramay be utilized to produce the display. The swing path for good shotscan be compared to swing paths for inaccurate shots to display thedifferences in a human understandable manner.

FIG. 31 illustrates a display of shaft efficiency as measured throughthe golf swing. For example, by obtaining motion capture data near theclub head and club handle, graphical strobe effects and motion analysisdata can show the club head speed, club handle speed and club shaftefficiency in normal time or slow motion.

FIG. 32 illustrates a display of putter head acceleration based on atleast one sensor near the putter head, for example as coupled into theweight port of a putter. The various quantities from the motion analysisdata can be displayed to aid in understanding acceleration patterns forgood putts and bad putts to help viewers understand acceleration in amore human understandable manner.

FIG. 33 illustrates a display of dynamic lie angle, wherein the lieangle of the player at address before swinging at the ball can becompared to the lie angle at impact to help the viewer understand howlie angle effects loft and ball flight.

FIG. 34 illustrates a display of shaft release, wherein the angularrelease velocity of the golf shaft is a large component of theefficiency of a swing. As shown, a display of a golfer that has sensorsnear his waist and hips and sensors on the golf club head and handle, oras determined through image processing with or without visual markers,is shown with the motion analysis data.

FIG. 35 illustrates a display of rotational velocity wherein the faceangle, club face closure in degrees per second, the loft angle and lieangle are shown as obtained from a motion capture element on the clubhead for example.

FIG. 36 illustrates a display of historical players with motion analysisdata computed through image processing to show the performance of greatplayers.

FIG. 37 illustrates one embodiment of the equations used for predictinga golf ball flight path as used to produce displays as shown in FIGS. 27and 28.

FIG. 38 shows elements of an embodiment of the motion capture elementconfigured to fit into the end of a golf shaft.

FIG. 39 shows an embodiment of the apparatus of FIG. 38 integrated intothe handle of a golf club.

FIG. 40 shows elements of another embodiment of the invention configuredto fit into the end of a golf shaft

FIG. 41 shows another embodiment of the apparatus of FIG. 40 integratedinto the handle of a golf club

FIG. 42 shows a graph of swing data as obtained from one or moreembodiments of the motion capture element.

FIG. 43A shows a user interface that displays a query to the golfer toenable the golfer to count a shot or not.

FIG. 43B shows a user interface that displays a map of the golf courseand locations of golf shots along with the particular club used at eachshot location.

FIG. 43C shows a user interface that displays a metrics associated witheach shot at each of the locations shown in FIGS. 43A and 43B.

FIG. 44 shows a flow chart of an embodiment of the functionalityspecifically programmed into the mobile device in order to intelligentlydetermine whether to query a golfer to count a shot and to record shotsthat are so designated.

FIG. 45 shows a flow chart of an embodiment of the functionalityspecifically programmed into the mobile computer and/or motion captureelement microcontroller in order to intelligently determine whether toquery a golfer to count a shot and to record shots that are sodesignated.

FIG. 46 illustrates an embodiment of the memory utilized to store data.

FIG. 47 shows a flow chart of an embodiment of the functionalityspecifically programmed into the microcontroller to determine whether aprospective strike has occurred.

FIG. 48 illustrates a typical golf swing signature, which is compared tomotion capture data to eliminate false positive impact events.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A portable wireless mobile device motion capture and analysis system andmethod will now be described. In the following exemplary descriptionnumerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a morethorough understanding of the ideas described throughout thisspecification. It will be apparent, however, to an artisan of ordinaryskill that embodiments of ideas described herein may be practicedwithout incorporating all aspects of the specific details describedherein. In other instances, specific aspects well known to those ofordinary skill in the art have not been described in detail so as not toobscure the disclosure. Readers should note that although examples ofthe innovative concepts are set forth throughout this disclosure, theclaims, and the full scope of any equivalents, are what define theinvention.

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the system that enables a portablewireless mobile device motion capture and analysis system 100. As shown,embodiments of the system generally include a mobile device 101 andapplications that execute thereon, that includes computer 160, shown aslocated internally in mobile device 101 as a dotted outline, (i.e., alsosee functional view of computer 160 in FIG. 1A), display 120 coupled tocomputer 160 and a wireless communications interface (generally internalto the mobile device, see element 164 in FIG. 1A) coupled with thecomputer. Each mobile device 101, 102, 102 a, 102 b may have an internalidentifier reader 190, for example an RFID reader, or may couple with anidentifier reader or RFID reader (see mobile device 102). Alternatively,embodiments of the invention may utilize any wireless technology in anyof the devices to communicate an identifier that identifies the club tothe system. The system generally includes at least one motion captureelement 111 that couples with user 150 or with piece of equipment 110,for example a golf club, or baseball bat, tennis racquet, hockey stick,weapon, stick, sword, or any other piece of equipment for any sport, orother sporting equipment such as a shoe, belt, gloves, glasses, hat,etc. The motion capture element may optionally include a visual marker,either passive or active, and/or may include a wireless sensor, forexample any sensor capable of providing any combination of one or morevalues associated with an orientation (North/South and/or up/down),position, velocity and/or acceleration of the motion capture element.The computer may be configured to obtain data associated with anidentifier unique to each club 110, for example from an RFID coupledwith club 110, i.e., identifier 191, and optionally associated with theat least one motion capture element, either visually or wirelessly,analyze the data to form motion analysis data and display the motionanalysis data on display 120 of mobile device 101.

One or more embodiments of the system may utilize a mobile device thatincludes at least one camera 130, for example coupled to the computerwithin the mobile device. This allows for the computer within mobiledevice 101 to command the camera 130 to obtain an image or images, forexample of the user during an athletic movement. The image(s) of theuser may be overlaid with displays and ratings to make the motionanalysis data more understandable to a human for example. Alternatively,detailed data displays without images of the user may also be displayedon display 120 or for example on the display of computer 105. In thismanner two-dimensional images and subsequent display thereof is enabled.If mobile device 101 contains two cameras, as shown in mobile device102, i.e., cameras 130 a and 130 b, then the cameras may be utilized tocreate a three-dimensional data set through image analysis of the visualmarkers for example. This allows for distances and positions of visualmarkers to be ascertained and analyzed.

Alternatively, for embodiments of mobile devices that have only onecamera, multiple mobile devices may be utilized to obtaintwo-dimensional data in the form of images that is triangulated todetermine the positions of visual markers. In one or more embodiments ofthe system, mobile device 101 and mobile device 102 a share image dataof user 150 to create three-dimensional motion analysis data. Bydetermining the positions of mobile devices 101 and 102 (via positiondetermination elements such as GPS chips in the devices as is common, orvia cell tower triangulation and which are not shown for brevity but aregenerally located internally in mobile devices just as computer 160 is),and by obtaining data from motion capture element 111 for examplelocations of pixels in the images where the visual markers are in eachimage, distances and hence speeds are readily obtained as one skilled inthe art will recognize.

Camera 103 may also be utilized either for still images or as is nowcommon, for video. In embodiments of the system that utilize externalcameras, any method of obtaining data from the external camera is inkeeping with the spirit of the system including wireless communicationof the data, or via wired communication as when camera 103 is dockedwith computer 105 for example, which then may transfer the data tomobile device 101.

In one or more embodiments of the system, the mobile device on which themotion analysis data is displayed is not required to have a camera,i.e., mobile device 102 b may display data even though it is notconfigured with a camera. As such, mobile device 102 b may obtain imagesfrom any combination of cameras on mobile device 101, 102, 102 a, camera103 and/or television camera 104 so long as any external camera maycommunicate images to mobile device 102 b.

For television broadcasts, motion capture element 111 wirelesslytransmits data that is received by antenna 106. The wireless sensor datathus obtained from motion capture element 111 is combined with theimages obtained from television camera 104 to produce displays withaugmented motion analysis data that can be broadcast to televisions,computers such as computer 105, mobile devices 101, 102, 102 a, 102 b orany other device configured to display images. The motion analysis datacan be positioned on display 120 for example by knowing the location ofa camera (for example via GPS information), and by knowing the directionand/or orientation that the camera is pointing so long as the sensordata includes location data (for example GPS information). In otherembodiments, visual markers or image processing may be utilized to lockthe motion analysis data to the image, e.g., the golf club head can betracked in the images and the corresponding high, middle and lowposition of the club can be utilized to determine the orientation ofuser 150 to camera 130 or 104 or 103 for example to correctly plot theaugmented data onto the image of user 150. By time stamping images andtime stamping motion capture data, for example after synchronizing thetimer in the microcontroller with the timer on the mobile device andthen scanning the images for visual markers or sporting equipment atvarious positions, simplified motion capture data may be overlaid ontothe images. Any other method of combining images from a camera andmotion capture data may be utilized in one or more embodiments of theinvention. Any other algorithm for properly positioning the motionanalysis data on display 120 with respect to a user (or any otherdisplay such as on computer 105) may be utilized in keeping with thespirit of the system.

One such display that may be generated and displayed on mobile device101 include a BULLET TIME® view using two or more cameras selected frommobile devices 101, 102, 102 a, camera 103, and/or television camera 104or any other external camera. In this embodiment of the system, thecomputer is configured to obtain two or more images of user 150 and dataassociated with the at least one motion capture element (whether avisual marker or wireless sensor), wherein the two or more images areobtained from two or more cameras and wherein the computer is configuredto generate a display that shows slow motion of user 150 shown fromaround the user at various angles at normal speed. Such an embodimentfor example allows a group of fans to create their own BULLET TIME® shotof a golf pro at a tournament for example. The shots may be sent tocomputer 105 and any image processing required may be performed oncomputer 105 and broadcast to a television audience for example. Inother embodiments of the system, the users of the various mobile devicesshare their own set of images, and or upload their shots to a websitefor later viewing for example. Embodiments of the invention also allowimages or videos from other players having mobile devices to be utilizedon a mobile device related to another user so that users don't have toswitch mobile phones for example. In one embodiment, a video obtained bya first user for a piece of sporting equipment in motion that is notassociated with the second user having the video camera mobile phone mayautomatically transfer the video to the first user for display withmotion capture data associated with the first user.

FIG. 1A shows an embodiment of computer 160. In computer 160 includesprocessor 161 that executes software modules, commonly also known asapplications, generally stored as computer program instructions withinmain memory 162. Display interface 163 drives display 120 of mobiledevice 101 as shown in FIG. 1. Optional orientation/position module 167may include a North/South or up/down orientation chip or both.Communication interface 164 may include wireless or wired communicationshardware protocol chips and/or an RFID reader or an RFID reader maycouple to computer 160 externally or in any other manner for example. Inone or more embodiments of the system communication interface mayinclude telephonic and/or data communications hardware. In one or moreembodiments communication interface 164 may include a Wi-Fi™ or otherIEEE 802.11 device and/or BLUETOOTH®wireless communications interface orZigBee® wireless device or any other wireless technology. BLUETOOTH®class 1 devices have a range of approximately 100 meters, class 2devices have a range of approximately 10 meters. BLUETOOTH® Low Powerdevices have a range of approximately 50 meters. Any wireless networkprotocol or type may be utilized in embodiments of the system so long asmobile device 101 and motion capture element 111 can communicate withone another. Processor 161, main memory 162, display interface 163,communication interface 164 and orientation/position module 167 maycommunicate with one another over communication infrastructure 165,which is commonly known as a “bus”. Communications path 166 may includewired or wireless medium that allows for communication with other wiredor wireless devices over network 170. Network 170 may communicate withInternet 171 and/or database 172. Database 172 may be utilized to saveor retrieve images or videos of users, or motion analysis data, or usersdisplayed with motion analysis data in one form or another. The datauploaded to the Internet, i.e., a remote database or remote server ormemory remote to the system may be viewed, analyzed or data mined by anycomputer that may obtain access to the data. This allows for originalequipment manufacturers to determine for a given user what sportingequipment is working best and/or what equipment to suggest. Data miningalso enables the planning of golf courses based on the metadataassociated with users, such as age, or any other demographics that maybe entered into the system. Remote storage of data also enables medicalapplications such as morphological analysis, range of motion over time,and diabetes prevention and exercise monitoring and complianceapplications. Data mining based applications also allow for games thatuse real motion capture data from other users, or historical playerswhether alive or dead after analyzing videos of the historical playersfor example. Virtual reality and augmented virtual reality applicationsmay also utilize the motion capture data or historical motion data. Thesystem also enables uploading of performance related events and/ormotion capture data to database 172, which for example may beimplemented as a social networking site. This allows for the user to“tweet” high scores, or other metrics during or after play to notifyeveryone on the Internet of the new event.

To ensure that analysis of user 150 during a motion capture includesimages that are relatively associated with the horizon, i.e., nottilted, the system may include an orientation module that executes oncomputer 160 within mobile device 101 for example. The computer isconfigured to prompt a user to align the camera along a horizontal planebased on orientation data obtained from orientation hardware withinmobile device 101. Orientation hardware is common on mobile devices asone skilled in the art will appreciate. This allows the image socaptured to remain relatively level with respect to the horizontalplane. The orientation module may also prompt the user to move thecamera toward or away from the user, or zoom in or out to the user toplace the user within a graphical “fit box”, to somewhat normalize thesize of the user to be captured.

Embodiments of the system are further configured to recognize the atleast one motion capture element associated with user 150 or piece ofequipment 110 and associate at least one motion capture element 111 withassigned locations on user 150 or piece of equipment 110. For example,the user can shake a particular motion capture element when prompted bythe computer within mobile device 101 to acknowledge which motioncapture element the computer is requesting an identity for.

One or more embodiments of the computer in mobile device 101 isconfigured to obtain at least one image of user 150 and display athree-dimensional overlay onto the at least one image of user 150wherein the three-dimensional overlay is associated with the motionanalysis data. Various displays may be displayed on display 120. Thedisplay of motion analysis data may include a rating associated with themotion analysis data, and/or a display of a calculated ball flight pathassociated with the motion analysis data and/or a display of a time lineshowing points in time along a time axis where peak values associatedwith the motion analysis data occur and/or a suggest training regimen toaid the user in improving mechanics of the user.

Embodiments of the system may also present an interface to enable user150 to purchase piece of equipment 110 over the wireless interface ofmobile device 101, for example via the Internet, or via computer 105which may be implemented as a server of a vendor. In addition, forcustom fitting equipment, such as putter shaft lengths, or any othercustom sizing of any type of equipment, embodiments of the system maypresent an interface to enable user 150 to order a customer fitted pieceof equipment over the wireless interface of mobile device 101.

Embodiments of the system are configured to analyze the data obtainedfrom at least one motion capture element and determine how centered acollision between a ball and the piece of equipment is based onoscillations of the at least one motion capture element coupled with thepiece of equipment and display an impact location based on the motionanalysis data.

While FIG. 1A depicts a physical device, the scope of the systems andmethods set forth herein may also encompass a virtual device, virtualmachine or simulator embodied in one or more computer programs executingon a computer or computer system and acting or providing a computersystem environment compatible with the methods and processesimplementing the disclosed ideas. Where a virtual machine, process,device or otherwise performs substantially similarly to that of aphysical computer system of the system, such a virtual platform willalso fall within the scope of a system of the disclosure,notwithstanding the description herein of a physical system such as thatin FIG. 1A.

Although system 100 is shown with an exemplary user 150 playing golf,one skilled in the art will appreciate that any user in moving in anyway and/or playing any sport using any piece of equipment may utilizeembodiments of the invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of the overall modes of the softwareprogrammed to execute on the computer of the mobile device, wherein thecomputer is configured to optionally recognize the motion captureelements, obtain data, analyze the data and display motion analysisdata. Mode 201 shows mobile device 101 having display 120 that displaysa user with highlighted points on the user and/or piece of equipment. Inthis mode, each sensor is identified and assigned one by one to aparticular area of the user or piece of equipment so as to recognizewhich sensors correspond to which movements of the user and/or piece ofequipment. Mode 202 is the mode where the computer in mobile deviceobtains data associated with at least one motion capture element asrecognized in mode 201. Mode 203 is the mode where the data is analyzedto form motion analysis data and display the motion analysis dataoptionally in conjunction with at least one image of the user. Mode 204is the mode where the motion analysis data and optional at least oneimage of the user is saved, or retrieved to display at a later time. Theimages may be automatically captured from a second user's mobile deviceand transferred to the user's mobile device who swung the golf club sothat they user's don't have to switch phones while playing to obtainimage data for themselves. One algorithm embodiment detects a motioncapture element data for a club that is not associated with the user ofthe video camera based mobile phone and queries nearby mobile devices todetermine if they will accept the video. The mobile device of the userwho performed the swing may automatically transfer the video so thatafter the user has swung, the user can look at their own phone and seetheir image overlaid with motion capture data without having usersswitch phones to capture video for each other. The motion capture datamay be automatically store in database 172 which for example may be inthe form of a social network, in which case the transfer of data (forexample a new maximum power score), may be automatically “tweeted” toInternet 171 and/or database 172 to notify everyone connect to theInternet of the new event.

FIG. 3 illustrates displays associated with FIG. 2 in greater detail.Mode 201 includes sub-modes 201 a where each motion capture element isasserted, moved, switched on or other wise identified. Metadataassociated with the user such as age, height, weight, equipmentmanufacturer or model number and size may also be input in this screen.This allows for data mining the metadata and associated motion capturedata later. Owners of database 172 may charge a fee for this service.Sub-mode 201 b allows for assignment of the motion capture element soasserted to a particular body part of the user, or a location on thepiece of equipment. Mode 202 includes sub-modes 202 a where the computerobtains data associated with at least one motion capture element, eithervia image capture of one or more motion capture elements implemented asvisual markers, or via wireless sensors, or both visual markers andwireless sensors. Mode 203 includes sub-mode 203 a where main motionanalysis data items may be displayed, and sub-mode 203 b where detailedmotion analysis data items may be displayed. Mode 204 shows selection ofan archive name to store archive motion capture data, i.e., the motionanalysis data and any images of the user. Mode 204 also allows forretrieval of an archived motion capture data by selected a list item onthe display of the mobile device. In one or more embodiments, the motioncapture archived data may be stored on the mobile device or remotely oncomputer 105, or in database 172 accessed via network 170 and/or viaInternet 171.

FIG. 4 illustrates and embodiment of the recognition module that isconfigured to assign particular sensors to particular locations on anathlete and/or on a piece of equipment. In this simplified interface formode 201, a mobile application is selected from the interface in the farleft screen shot that then displays a number of activities or sportsthat can be motion captured by embodiments of the system. Selecting thedesired sport via a finger gesture or any other manner in this displayshows sub-mode screen 201 c that allows for the assignment of sensors toareas of the user's body, and/or sub-mode screen 201 d that allows forthe assignment of sensors to areas on the equipment for the particularsport selected in the second screen from the left in the figure.Automatic determination of the assigned sensor locations is alsopossible based on analyzing the spatial data obtain from a golf swing.For example by determining the positions, or speed of the varioussensors, an automatic assignment may be made, for example by taking thefastest moving component and assigning that to the golf club head, whiletaking the next fastest component and assigning that component to thehands, etc. Any other technique for automatically assigning sensors tolocations of embodiments of the invention is in keeping with the spiritof the invention. In embodiments of the invention that utilize RFID orother identifier mechanism coupled with the golf club, such as a uniqueidentifier per motion capture element for example, the user may enter agolf club number associated with a particular golf club so that thesystem knows which club is in proximity to the mobile computer or whichgolf club number for example has been moved through a golf swing.

FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of the obtain data module that isconfigure to obtain data from a camera (optionally on the mobile deviceor obtain through another camera or camera on another mobile device)through asserting the “start” button on the display. Any other method ofinitiating the computer within the mobile device to obtain data is inkeeping with the spirit of the system including user gestures such asmoving the piece of equipment in a particular manner or in any otherway. This is shown as sub-mode 202 a. When motion data capture is to beterminated, any user gesture may be performed via the display of themobile device, via the piece of equipment or via audio input to themobile device for example. Any other method of informing the computer tono longer obtain data is in keeping with the spirit of the system.Sub-mode 203 a where main motion analysis data items may be displayed,and sub-mode 203 b where detailed motion analysis data items may bedisplayed are shown with “close” buttons, so that the data can beignored for example. In addition, a slider in sub-mode 203 a allows forprecise control of the speed and/or location of the playback so thatslow motion analysis may be utilized to better understand the analysisand display of motion analysis data. In addition, the figure showsdisplays data analyzed by the analysis module and generated by thedisplay module to show either the user along with motion analysis data,or with motion analysis data alone. Double clicking or tapping on adetailed item may optionally display a list of exercises that a user mayperform to increase the user's performance.

FIG. 6 illustrates a detailed drill down into the motion analysis datato display including overall efficiency, head, torso, hip, hand, club,left and right foot segment efficiencies. Embodiments of the system thusenable physical training specific to the area that a user needs asdetermined by the analysis module. For example, asserting, doubleclicking or tapping, or clicking on the “training” button on the bottomof each efficiency screen as shown may display video, audio, or a listof exercises that a user may perform to increase the user's performancespecific to that segment. In addition, by asserting the “fitting” buttonon each segment display, a detailed list of pieces of equipment that mayperform better for the user based on the motion analysis data may beviewed. For example, if the user is swing too stiff of a golf club, thenthe golf club may be taking power out of the swing by slowing downbefore impacting a golf ball, while a more flexible shaft would speed upbefore impacting a golf ball. By asserting the “fitting” button, andbased on the motion analysis data, for example club head speed or ifmultiple sensors are fitted on the shaft, then by the flexing of theshaft, then alternate golf clubs may be displayed to the user. The usermay then press the purchase button, as will be detailed later, topurchase or custom order equipment that is better suited to the user.

FIG. 7 illustrates a close up display of motion analysis data associatedwith a user, without use of an image associated with a user. In thisclose-up of sub-mode 203 b, the efficiency, swing speed, release speed,face alignment angle and other quantities associated with the motionanalysis data are displayed. Any data that is obtained or that can beanalyzed and derived may be displayed.

FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of the motion capture element thatoptionally includes a visual marker and/or sensor. One or moreembodiments of the sensors are small, for example 12 mm or less indiameter and 4 mm or less thick in one embodiment. In addition, thesensors are inexpensive, lightweight, for example less than 5 grams inone or more embodiments. The sensors may utilize known wirelesscommunications protocols such as BLUETOOTH™ with a range ofapproximately 10 meters for Bluetooth class 2, or 100 meters forBluetooth class 1. Embodiments of the sensor may sample at 1200 timesper second or higher or lower depending on the desired performancerequirements. The sensors may be sealed for water resistance or proofingand while some embodiments may be opened, for example to replace abattery held inside the sensor housing. Any other sensor havingdimensions or capabilities that allow for measurement of any combinationof one or more of orientation, position, velocity and/or accelerationthat may couple to a piece of equipment or user may be utilized in oneor more embodiments as a motion capture element.

FIG. 9 illustrates a front view of FIG. 8. In this figure, the visualmarker is shown from above and signifies an instrumented user. Thecontrast between black and white allows for ease of capture.

FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment of motion capture element 111implemented with a single white circle on a black passive marker andgray scale images thereof to show how the marker can be tracked byobtaining an image and searching for a luminance change from black towhite as shown at point 1001. Any other image processing algorithm maybe utilized to find an embodiment of the motion capture element withinan image as one skilled in the art will recognize, for example based ona color difference or gradient detected in an image in the area of anembodiment of motion capture element 111.

FIG. 11 illustrates a hardware implementation of the sensor portion of amotion capture element implemented as a wireless inertial measurementunit, and an embodiment as configured to couple with a weight port of agolf club for example. Printed circuit board (PCB) may be utilized tohold the various components of the sensor including any orientation,position, velocity and/or accelerometers. Hole 1101 may be utilized as ascrew hole or other coupling point for coupling motion capture element111 to a piece of equipment, such as into a weight port of a golf club.Alternatively, threads at location 1102 or at location 1103 may beutilized to screw motion capture element 111 onto the piece ofequipment. Any other method of coupling motion capture element to apiece of equipment or user is in keeping with the spirit of theinvention. Embodiments of the invention may also be placed near the headof a golf club, in the handle of a golf club, or in any other piece ofequipment. When placing an embodiment of the invention near the golfclub head or handle, an adapter may be utilized so as to fit theapparatus to the specific make and/or model of the golf club. Eachmanufacturer has multiple types of weight port sizes, locations andshapes and any adapter that can for example screw into a weight porthole and also fit threads at location 1102 may be utilized as anadapter. For handles, any tube size for a given make or model of a clubmay be utilized as an adapter so long as it allows the components ofembodiments of the invention to fit inside the golf club and withstandthe forces involved with a golf club swing. See also FIGS. 38-42. In awired embodiment of the golf club, apparatus 111 for example as mountednear a golf club head may electrically couple to another apparatus 3800as shown in FIG. 38 so as to allow wired recharging of both apparatus inone golf club simultaneously.

FIG. 12 illustrates an embodiment of the motion capture element asconfigured to couple with different golf club types and a shoe. As shownin the leftmost figure, motion capture element 111 can couple directlyto a piece of equipment such as a golf club in the rear portion of theclub head. As the second from left figure illustrates, motion captureelement 111 may couple onto the bottom of a piece of equipment, such asa golf putter. In addition, as the third figure from the leftillustrates, motion capture element 111 may couple into the weight portof a piece of equipment, such as a driver. Furthermore, motion captureelement may couple with a piece of equipment that is worn by the user,effectively coupling with the user as shown in the rightmost figure.

FIG. 13 illustrates a close-up of the shoe of FIG. 12 along with apressure map of a shoe configured with a pressure mat inside the shoeconfigured to output pressure per particular areas of the shoe. In thisembodiment, motion capture element may also interface to a pressuresensing mat capable of producing pressure map 1301 from inside of theshoe and relay the pressure information to the mobile device foranalysis. Alternatively, pressure sensors may be placed through theshoe, for example in a grid, to provide weight bearing information tothe mobile device, for example wirelessly via the motion captureelement. Each pressure sensor may couple to a transceiver or contain itsown transceiver, or couple via wires or wirelessly to the motion captureelement in order to transmit pressure data, for example to display ondisplay 120. By color coding the map and displaying the map on display120, a color graphic rating is thus obtained, which may includenumerical ratings of the pressure signature when compared to savedpressure maps which resulted in good swings for example.

FIG. 14 illustrates an embodiment of sunglasses configured with a motioncapture element. In addition, the sunglasses may also include a videoviewing device that may be utilized for display 120 so that the user maywatch images of the user with motion analysis data via the sunglasses.In this manner, any computer 160, 105, or any other computer coupled tonetwork 170 or Internet 171 may be utilized to obtain data and analyzedata so that the resulting motion analysis data may be displayed on thesunglasses, for example for virtual reality and/or augmented virtualreality display.

FIG. 15 illustrates an embodiment of a display that depicts the locationof a golf ball strike as determined by the oscillations in the golf clubface during and/or after the golf club impacts a golf ball. In one ormore embodiments of the invention, if the golf ball impacts the club atlocation 1501, then a particular frequency response is obtained viaorientation or velocity sensors in motion capture element 111 that iscoupled with the club shown. If the golf ball impacts the club atlocation 1502, then a distinct frequency response is obtained via themotion capture element 111 coupled to the club. One embodiment fordetermining where a ball impacts a club involves recording impacts froma variety of locations at a range of speeds and using the resultingfrequency responses to determine which one is the closest to the impactdetected. Impacts that occur high or low on the club face tend toproduce a vertical axis oscillation of greater amplitude than impactsthat occur at location 1501. Impacts that occur closer to the shaft tendto produce lower amplitude oscillations in the horizontal axis thanimpacts that occur further from the shaft. Hence, another method fordetermining impact is to form a ratio of the amplitude of horizontal tovertical axis frequency amplitude and then search for the closest matchfrom a saved set of impact frequency responses and retrieve the x and ylocations on the club face where the closest match has occurred. Inanother embodiment of the system, a series of impacts is recording atthe center of the club and at 4 points away from the center along thepositive x axis, (away from the shaft), positive z axis (above thecenter point of the face), negative x axis (near the shaft) and negativez axis (below the center point of the face) wherein the motion captureelement transmits x, y and z velocities associated with the impact. Thevelocities are converted into the frequency domain and saved. Then, whendetermining an impact location for a test swing, an interpolationbetween the impact in question and the center point and 4 other pointsis performed to determine the location of the impact. Any other methodof determining the impact location that does not require other sensorsbesides the motion capture element coupled to the club is in keepingwith the spirit of the invention.

FIG. 16 illustrates a camera alignment tool as utilized with embodimentsof the system to create normalized images for capture and analysis. Inthis figure, level lines 1601 are shown that for example become brighterwhen the mobile device is level. Any other manner of displaying that themobile device is level may also be utilized. Icons on the left side ofthe screen show that the motion capture data and images may be saved,emailed, or sent to popular social networking sites such as FACEBOOK®and TWITTER®. FIG. 17 illustrates a balance box and center alignmentline to aid in centering a user to obtain image data. FIG. 18illustrates a balance box and center alignment line, along with primaryand secondary shaft lines to aid in centering and analyzing images ofthe user for use in capturing data from the side of the user. Once theuser is centered, the computer may obtain data and images that arenormalized to the horizontal plane.

FIG. 19 illustrates an embodiment of the display configured to aid inclub fitting for a user, wherein a user may test multiple clubs andwherein the display shows motion analysis data. For embodiments of thesystem that include purchase and order fulfillment options, buttons suchas “purchase” and “customer order” may be utilized. Alternatively, a“buy” button 1902 may be shown in “club fitting” mode 1901 that enablesa user to buy or custom order a custom club that the user is workingwith.

FIG. 20 illustrates an embodiment of the display configured to displaymotion analysis data along with the user, some of which is overlaid ontothe user to aid in understanding the motion analysis data in a morehuman understandable format. For example, rotation rings 2003 may beshown overlaid on one or more images of the user to shown the angle ofthe axis of rotation of portions of the user's body, such as shouldersand hips. In addition, motion analysis data associated with the user canbe shown numerically as shown for example as “efficiency” of the swing2002, and velocity of the swing 2001. The motion capture data and imagesmay be saved to database 172 and later utilized to play a game againstanother player for example on a virtual reality golf course. The playermay be a historical player whose performance data has been analyzed andstored in the database for later game playing for example.

FIG. 21 illustrates an embodiment of the system configured to display auser from multiple angles 2101 when multiple cameras are available. Anyalgorithm that may process images to eliminate backgrounds for examplemay be utilized to show multiple instances of the user on onebackground. Alternatively, one or more embodiments of the system mayshow one image of the user at a time in slow motion as the user moves,while changing the angle of the view of the user in normal time, whichis known as BULLET TIME®.

FIG. 22 illustrates another embodiment of the multi-angle display as isalso shown in FIG. 21. This figure also includes three-dimensionaloverlay graphics 2201 to aid in understanding the motion analysis datain a more human understandable manner. Second instance of the user 2202may or may not be shown with the same overlay from a different angle.

FIG. 23 shows an embodiment of the system configured to display motionanalysis data on a mobile computer, personal computer, IPAD® or anyother computer with a display device large enough to display the desireddata.

In any embodiments detailed herein, efficiency may be calculated in avariety of ways and displayed. For embodiments of the invention thatutilize one motion capture element, then the motion capture elementassociated with the club head may be utilized to calculate theefficiency. In one or more embodiments of the invention, efficiency maybe calculated as:

Efficiency=(90−angle of club face with respect to direction oftravel)*Vc/Vmax

As more sensors are added further from the piece of equipment, such asin this case a club, the more refined the efficiency calculation may be.FIG. 24 illustrates a timeline display of motion analysis data thatshows multiple sensor angular speeds obtained from multiple sensors on auser and on a piece of equipment. FIG. 25 illustrates a timeline displayof angular speed of a second user. One or more embodiments of the systemmay calculate an efficiency based on relative times of the peaks of thehips, shoulders, arms and club for example. In one or more embodimentsof the invention utilizing more than one motion capture element, forexample on the handle and club head, the angular velocity Wa of thehandle is divided by the angular velocity Wc of the club head tocalculate efficiency with more information. By obtaining a large numberof timelines from various professional athletes and determining averageamplitudes of angular velocities of various body parts and/or timings,then more refined versions of the efficiency equation may be created andutilized.

Efficiency=(90−angle of club face with respect to direction oftravel)*Vc/Vmax*Wa/Wc*1.2

FIG. 26 illustrates a timeline display of a user along with peak andminimum angular speeds along the timeline shown as events along the timeline instead of as Y-axis data as shown in FIGS. 24 and 25. In thisunique view, the points in time where the peaks of the graphs of FIGS.24 and 25 are shown as colored boxes that correspond to the colors ofthe graphs in FIGS. 24 and 25, yet in a more human understandable formatthat shows the relative timing of the peaks. In addition, at the bottomof FIG. 26 a graph showing the lead and lag of the golf club along withthe droop and drift of the golf club is shown wherein these valuesdetermine how much the golf club shaft is bending in two axes as plottedagainst time.

One or more embodiments of the system may analyze the peaks and/ortiming of the peaks in order to determine a list of exercises to provideto a user to improve the mechanics of the user. For example, if the armsare rotating too late or with not enough speed, a list can be providedto the user such as:

TABLE 1 Arm Speed Exercise 1000-1500 degrees/sec Impact Bag Drawbacks1501-1750 degrees/sec Drawbacks 1751-2000 degrees/sec No drills

The list of exercises may include any exercises for any body part andmay displayed on display 120. For example, by asserting the “Training”button on the displays shown in FIG. 6, a corresponding body part listof exercises may be displayed on display 120.

FIG. 27 illustrates a display of the calculated flight path 2701 of aball based on the motion analysis data wherein the display is associatedwith any type of computer, personal computer, IPAD® or any other type ofdisplay capable of displaying images. FIG. 28 illustrates a display ofthe calculated flight path 2801 of a ball based on motion analysis datawherein the display is coupled with a mobile device. After a swing of agolf club, and based on the club head speed as determined by motioncapture element 111, the loft of the club and the angle at which theclub strikes the ball (meaning that there is another motion captureelement in the handle or near the hands of the user), a flight path maybe calculated and displayed. Any model may be utilized as is known inthe art to calculate the trajectory based on the club velocity asmeasure via motion capture element 111, one such model is described in apaper by MacDonald and Hanzely, “The physics of the drive in golf”, Am.J. Phys 59 (3) 213-218 (1991). See FIG. 37 for one embodiment of theequation used to calculate the accelerations in the x, y and z axeswherein:

x=laterally sideways (right is positive, left is negative)

y=down the fairway (always positive)

z=vertically upwards (up is positive, down is negative)

B=a constant dependent on the conditions of the air, an appropriatevalue=0.00512

u=vector of relative velocity between the ball and the air (i.e. wind),u=v−v_(w)

Cd=coefficient of drag which depends on the speed and spin of the ball

Cl=coefficient of drag which depends on the speed and spin of the ball

a=the angle between the vertical and the axis of rotation of thespinning ball

g=the acceleration due to gravity=32.16 ft/s2

A numerical form of the equations may be utilized to calculate theflight path for small increments of time assuming no wind and a spinaxis of 0.1 radians or 5.72 degrees is as follows:

xacceleration=−0.00512*(vx̂2+vŷ2+vẑ2)̂(½)*((46.0/(vx̂2+vŷ2+vẑ2)̂(½))*(vx)+(33.4/(vx̂2+vŷ2+vẑ2)̂(½))*(vy)*sin(0.1))

yacceleration=−0.00512*(vx̂2+vŷ2+vẑ2)̂(½)*((46.0/(vx̂2+vŷ2+vẑ2)̂(½))*(vy)−(33.4/(vx̂2+vŷ2+vẑ2)̂(½))*((vx)*sin(0.1)−(vz)*cos(0.1)))

zacceleration=−32.16−0.00512*(vx̂2+vŷ2+vẑ2)̂(½)*((46.0/(vx̂2+vŷ2+vẑ2)̂(½))*(vz)−(33.4/(vx̂2+vŷ2+vẑ2)̂(½))*(vy)*cos(0.1))

FIG. 29 illustrates a display of a broadcast television event wherein atleast one motion capture element in the form of a motion sensor iscoupled with the golf club and optionally the user. The display can beshown in normal time after the athlete strikes the ball, or in slowmotion with motion analysis data including the three-dimensional overlayof the position of the sensor on the end of the club shown as a traceline and including the angle of the plane 2901 in which the swing takesplace versus the horizontal plane. In addition, other motion analysisdata may be shown such as the swing speed 2902, distance (calculated oractual) and efficiency 2903.

FIG. 30 illustrates a display of the swing path with a strobe effectwherein the golf club in this example includes sensors on the club headand near the handle, or optionally near the hands or in the gloves ofthe user. Optionally, imaged based processing from a high speed cameramay be utilized to produce the display. A line or captured portion ofthe actual shaft from images may be displayed at angle 3001, 3002 and3003 for example. The swing path for good shots can be compared to swingpaths for inaccurate shots to display the differences in a humanunderstandable manner.

FIG. 31 illustrates a display of shaft efficiency 3105 as measuredthrough the golf swing. For example, by obtaining motion capture datanear the club head and club handle, graphical strobe effects and motionanalysis data can show the club head through time at 3101, 3102, 3103and 3104 and also display speed, club handle speed and club shaftefficiency at 3106 in normal time or slow motion.

FIG. 32 illustrates a display of putter head speed and/or accelerationbased on at least one sensor near the putter head, for example ascoupled into the weight port of a putter. The various quantities fromthe motion analysis data can be displayed at 3201 to aid inunderstanding speed and/or acceleration patterns for good putts and badputts to help viewers understand speed and/or acceleration in a morehuman understandable manner.

FIG. 33 illustrates a display of dynamic lie angle, wherein the lieangle of the player at address 3302 before swinging at the ball can becompared to the lie angle at impact 3301 to help the viewer understandhow lie angle effects loft and ball flight, while quantitatively showingthe values at 3303.

FIG. 34 illustrates a display of shaft release, wherein the angularrelease velocity of the golf shaft is a large component of theefficiency of a swing. As shown, a display of a golfer that has sensorsnear his waist and hips (to produce spine angle 3402) and sensors on thegolf club head and handle (to produce shaft angle 3401), or asdetermined through image processing with or without visual markers, isshown along with the motion analysis data including club shaft releasein degrees per second at 3403.

FIG. 35 illustrates a display of rotational velocity wherein the faceangle, club face closure in degrees per second, the loft angle and lieangle are determined from a motion capture sensor coupled with the clubhead for example and numerically shown at 3501.

FIG. 36 illustrates a display of historical players with motion analysisdata computed through image processing to show the performance of greatplayers. By tracing and determining the locations of two points 3601 and3602 on each player's golf club as shown and knowing the height of theplayers and/or lengths of their clubs and angle at which the imageswhere taken, distances and thus velocities of the golf clubs may bedetermined to calculate numerical values as shown at 3603.

FIG. 37 illustrates one embodiment of the equations used for predictinga golf ball flight path as used to produce displays as shown in FIGS. 27and 28.

FIG. 38 shows elements of an embodiment of the invention 3800 configuredto fit into the end of a golf shaft. (See also FIG. 11 for anotherembodiment that may fit into a golf shaft or couple near the head of agolf club). Sensor 3801 may include spatial sensors that obtain dataassociated with orientation, position, velocity, acceleration (or anyother derivative with respect to position and time). For example,accelerometer(s) may be utilized that obtain acceleration data in one ormore axes. Alternatively, or in combination, the sensors may includegyroscope(s) that allow for orientation with respect to the horizon tobe accurately determined. Alternatively, or in combination, the sensorsmay include magnetometers that allow for orientation with respect toNorth/South to be accurately determined. Any combination of these sensortypes may be utilized to obtain spatial data that may be utilized byembodiments of the system described to analyze and display the spatialdata in a user-friendly manner. Embodiments of the apparatus may includemicrocontroller 3802, i.e., a programmable computer element is smallform factor, for example a low power microcontroller. One or moreembodiments of the apparatus may include a unique identifier thatidentifies the particular instance of the apparatus. The identifier maybe stored in the memory of microcontroller 3802 or in a separate chip(not shown for brevity and since microcontroller 3801 may includememory) or may be received by the microcontroller from an externalsystem, i.e., programmed. In combination or alternatively, an identifiermay be stored on identifier 191, for example implemented as an RFID tagthat may be mounted on the end of the club or on the handle or under thehandle of the club or in any other position on the club so long as theidentifier may be read, for example by the computer on the mobiledevice. One or more embodiments of the invention may utilize passiveRFID tags so that no battery is required to identify the specific club,or for example the club number of a particular club. Any other mechanismfor obtaining a unique identifier that may be utilized with embodimentsof the invention is in keeping with the spirit of the invention. Theapparatus may also include radio and antenna 3803 (or separately as perFIG. 40 3803 a and 4001) to enable wireless communication of the uniqueidentifier and spatial data, for example via a communication mechanismthat for example minimizes or eliminates communication interference sothat multiple clubs from one or more players may be used in the samevicinity without communication interference. One or more embodiments ofthe radio may comprise BLUETOOTH®, adaptive frequency hopping spreadspectrum, or code division multiple access (CDMA) or other wirelesscommunications technologies having for example multiple channels ofcommunication to allow for multiple radios to operate in a givenlocation without interference. Power for the apparatus may derive fromone or more batteries 3804. For example on or more CR1216 batteries maybe utilized to double the amount of time that the club may be utilized.Embodiments of the apparatus may utilize mounting board 3810, forexample a printed circuit board to mount the various components to. Inaddition, adapter 3805 may be utilized to house sensor 3801,microcontroller 3802, radio/antenna 3803, battery or batteries 3804directly or via mounting board 3810 that may couple with these elements.Adapter 3805 may be unique to each golf club, manufacturer, model or anyavailable standard, for example a handle standard size. In one or moreembodiments adapter 3805 may comprise a 25 mm deep and 14.5 mm indiameter tube structure, for example made of epoxy or plastic or anyother material strong enough to hold the various components in place andwithstand the force involved with a golf swing. In addition, embodimentsof the invention may also utilize cap 3806, for example a closure capthat is utilized to cover mounting board 3810 within the club handle (orclub head). Closure cap 3806 may include a visual marker as is shown inFIGS. 9, 10 and 12 for example, for visual processing. In addition, cap3806 may include a push switch to power the apparatus on and/or off. Oneor more embodiments of the invention power off automatically, or go intoa hibernation mode after a particular amount of time the golf club hasnot moved over a certain speed for example. This may include mechanicaland/or electronic indications that the club has moved and hence powershould be restored. In addition, some or all of the components may bepowered down and up periodically or until motion occurs or to check fora communications link for example. Any other power saving features maybe implemented as desired to save more power based on the designrequirements for a desired application as one skilled in the art willappreciate. In addition, by obtaining the spatial data from multipleapparatus coupled with a particular club for example enables theautomatic determination of which apparatus is located in a handle andwhich apparatus is located at the golf club head based on thedifferences in speed during a swing for example. Any other method forautomatically determining the assigned location of each apparatus on agiven golf club is in keeping with the spirit of the invention. Examplespatial sensor 3801 embodiments follow. One or more embodiments of theinvention may utilize a MEMS digital output motion sensor LIS331HH ultralow-power high full-scale 3-axes “nano” accelerometer, or any otheraccelerometer for example. One or more embodiments of the invention mayutilize a AK8975/AK8975C 3-axis electronic compass, or any other compassfor example. One or more embodiments of the invention may utilize aL3GD20 MEMS motion sensor three-axis digital output gyroscope or anyother gyroscope for example. One or more embodiment of microcontroller3802 may be implemented with MICROCHIP® PIC24FJ256GA110 general purposeflash microcontroller or any other microcontroller. One or moreembodiments of radio and antenna 3803 may be implemented with aBLUECORE®6-ROM single-chip BLUETOOTH® v2.1 EDR system, and/or aBLUECORE® CSR1000™ QFN BLUETOOTH® low energy single-mode chip, or anyother communications chip. Any type of micro-power harvesting technologymay be utilized internally to charge a battery coupled to themicrocontroller to minimize the changing or charging of batteries withan external charger.

In addition, embodiments of mount may utilize the mount specified in theparent application of which this application is a continuation in partand which has been incorporated by reference above in the priorityclaim.

Embodiments of the invention using a unique identifier may be utilizedas a lost club alarm, so that if contact is lost with one of the clubsassociated with a player, an alarm may be presented by one or moreembodiments of the system. Embodiments of the system that include athree-axis accelerometer enable analysis and display of swing speed,tempo, handle versus head speed, swing efficiency, durability counterand shot by shot analysis. Embodiments of the invention that include athree axis gyroscope enable analysis and display of alignment, lieangle, loft angle, handle release and 3-D angular velocity. Embodimentsof the invention that include a magnetometer enable analysis and displayof swing tracer, swing path, impact location, ball flight, 3-D impact,shaft deflection, shaft efficiency and 3-D video overlay. Any otherdisplays that make use of the different type of spatial sensors is inkeeping with the spirit of the invention.

FIG. 39 shows an embodiment of the apparatus of FIG. 38, here designated3901 as integrated into the handle of golf club 3902. Optionalelectrical connection 3903 enables the coupling of an embodiment of theinvention situated in a handle of a golf club to an embodiment of theinvention situated near the golf club head so as to allow forsimultaneous recharging of both apparatus. Cap 3806 may include aninductive coil to allow for wireless charging (as is common in electrictoothbrushes for example), or may include any type of power couplinginterface or outlet, as one skilled in the art will appreciate. Any typeof mechanical charging element, for example common in some watches, mayalso be coupled to the motion capture elements that do not requirepower. In addition, automatic power up and power down passive or activesensors or switches may be utilized to power microcontroller 3802 on oroff.

FIG. 40 shows elements of another embodiment of the invention configuredto fit into the end of a golf shaft. In this embodiment, mounting board3810 also includes radio 3803 a, along with antenna 4001 (as separateunits compared with FIG. 38), optional heat sink 4002, recharger 4003and overcharge detector 4004. Recharger 4003 may be implemented forexample as an induction element that wirelessly enables rechargingbattery or batteries 3804. Overcharge detector 4004 may electricallyconnect with battery or batteries 3804 and recharger 4003 to determinewhen the batteries should no longer be charged, or when charging shouldresume. Alternatively, a wired connection may be utilized to chargebattery or batteries 3804 as one skilled in the art will appreciate. Inaddition, since a wire may be run through the shaft of the golf club,the same charging port may be utilized to charge batteries in two ormore apparatus, for example one located in a golf club handle andanother one located near the golf club head. A wireless golf club isthus produced with a wired internal connection for ease of charging.

FIG. 41 shows another embodiment of the apparatus of FIG. 40, heredesignated 4101 as integrated into the handle of golf club 3902.

FIG. 42 shows a graph of swing data as obtained from one or moreembodiments of the invention. Any other user-friendly display may beutilized that includes spatial data obtained from one or moreembodiments of the invention as one skilled in the art will recognize.In the figure as shown, the X-axis data may be utilized to show positionversus time to graphically display information related to a golf swing.Any other display as previously described above may also be utilized todisplay spatial data associated with one or more embodiments of theinvention.

FIG. 43A shows a user interface that displays a query to the golfer toenable the golfer to count a shot or not. As shown, map 4301 may show asatellite image of the location of the mobile computer as determined forexample by a GPS chip in the mobile computer or via triangulation of awireless or phone signal. Shots 4302 a and 4302 b may be shown in anymanner to signify that these shots have been counted at the particularlocation. Lines may optionally be drawn between shots for example.Optionally, these shot displays may include the club number or any otherdesired information where a shot has taken place and been counted.Potential shot 4302 c may be shown in any other manner which signifiesthat the shot is under consideration for a counted shot, as the mobilecomputer is currently querying the user as to whether or not to countthe shot as is shown on the left side of status display 4303, i.e.,“Count Shot ?”. The mobile computer may accept any type of input forcounting the shot including audio or tactile input based input,including motion sensing of the mobile computer to determine if the userhas for example input a gesture such as a shake left/right meaning “no”,do not count the shot, or a shake up/down meaning “yes” count the shot.This allows for operation of the mobile computer without removal ofgloves as many mobile computers require direct skin contact to effectinput. In addition, as shown if the shot is counted, the total number ofshots on the course may be updated as per the right side of statusdisplay 4303. The logic for determining whether to query the user isshown in FIG. 44. If the shot is counted the shot display at 4302 c forexample may be shown in a different manner that signifies that indeed,the shot has been counted. For embodiments of the invention that utilizepassive RFID sensors, the processing and logic of whether to count theshot requires no electronics at all on the golf club that require localpower. For example, passive RFID chips can be powered remotely via RFIDreader 190 that couples to the mobile computer for example. In thismanner, all complexity of known systems for counting shots includingutilization of switches, solar cells, buttons, battery operatedelectronics is completely eliminated. An RFID marker that is passive maybe attached in any manner to a golf club, include adhering the RFIDmarker to the shaft or under the handle or in any other position on theclub. In one or more embodiments a set of RFID tape strips may bepurchased by the golfer and attached to the clubs wherein the mobilecomputer may query the user for which club number corresponds to whichRFID tag for example. Alternatively the tape strips for example thatattach RFID element 191 to the golf club (see FIG. 1), may already havea club number associated with each RFID element, for example a numberwritten on the tag or packing of each tag. Alternatively, the mobilecomputer may also utilize motion capture data for embodiments thatinclude motion capture elements on clubs in order to determine when ashot or potential shot has taken place.

FIG. 43B shows a user interface that displays a map of the golf courseand locations of golf shots along with the particular club used at eachshot location on two different types of mobile computers. As shown, shot4302 b is annotated with “4 iron” and “210 yards” and a metric or scoreof the stroke in terms of efficiency or power (see FIG. 43C). Statusarea 4310 allows for displaying hole by hole shots for example. In thisembodiment, it is not required that the mobile computers obtain anidentifier from each club in a passive manner, but may obtain theidentifier for each club via active wireless technologies if desired.Alternatively, the mobile computers shown in FIG. 43B may couple with anRFID or other passive reader (see element 190 in FIG. 43A for example).

FIG. 43C shows a user interface that displays a metrics 4320 associatedwith each shot at each of the locations shown in FIGS. 43A and 43B. Thisdisplay may be shown for example after the golfer counts a golf shot,for example by shaking the mobile computer or otherwise asserting thatthe golf shot should count. This display may be shown first or after themap shots as per FIGS. 43A and 43B, or may be shown after a delay ofshowing the map shots, or in any other manner. The display may be colorcoded to show a powerful or efficient shot as shown in the rightpicture, or to show a less powerful or less efficient shot, i.e.,background of the display may be color coded or any portion of thedisplay may be color coded for example.

FIG. 44 shows a flow chart of an embodiment of the functionalityspecifically programmed into the mobile device in order to intelligentlydetermine whether to query a golfer to count a shot and to record shotsthat are so designated. Processing starts at 4401, for example when agolfer initializes the shot count application on the mobile computer(see FIG. 1 as well for different embodiments of the mobile computer).The mobile computer may display a map at 4402 as obtained for exampleover the Internet or stored locally based on a GPS position determinedby the mobile computer (or by known triangulation techniques aspreviously described). The mobile computer may then read an identifierassociated with a club at 4403. The mobile computer may utilize RFIDreader 190, or for embodiments that do not utilize RFID, may useBLUETOOTH® for example to read an identifier for a club from the motioncapture element if one exists. If multiple clubs are within range, thenthe system may query the user as to which club, or the club with thestrongest signal may be automatically chosen for example. Any othermethod of arbitrating the identifier of the club is in keeping with thespirit of the invention. For example, RFID reader 190 may bepurposefully limited in range so that only a club in near proximity tothe mobile computer, as worn for example by the golfer, is readable.This embodiment requires no power, switches or batteries on each golfclub and therefore is much simpler to maintain and use than knownsolutions for counting golf shots. If the mobile computer is stationaryfor a threshold T amount of time at 4404, then the mobile computer mayeither optionally determine if the mobile computer has rotated or movedin a manner that is indicative of a golf swing or putt at 4405, orsimply wait until the mobile computer has moved from the currentposition at 4406 for example, which occurs once a golfer has finished ashot or putt. For example, current mobile computers may be equipped withmotion detection elements internally, and which are therefore able todetermine if a user has rotated (for a driver) or translated slightly(for a putter) for example, and determine that a shot (or practiceswing/shot) has occurred. The mobile computer then queries the golfer at4407 as to whether or not to count the shot and accepts any desiredinput gesture to indicate whether to count or not count the shot. Forexample, by allowing the user to input a shake or rotation of the mobilecomputer, that commonly have orientation and motion sensors built in,then the golfer is not required to take any gloves off, which isgenerally required to activate the touch screen features of some mobilecomputers. Querying the user may include use of a vibration component inthe mobile computer, i.e., so that no sound is required to query thegolfer, which may upset other golfer attempting to concentrate. If thegolfer determines that the golf shot should be counted, then the statusof the shot may be updated to indicate that the shot has counted, andfor example the location on the course where the shot occurred.Embodiments that utilize motion capture elements can also optionallyutilize this method to count shots and in addition may include othersteps that detect the signature vibrations of a golf club to determineif a golf ball has been struck as well, etc., as explained below (seealso FIGS. 45-49). Identifiers associated with the motion captureelements in these embodiments may be used in place of, or in combinationwith RFID associated identifiers to signify the type of club and/or clubnumber of the golf club for example. In addition, processing continuesat 4402 where the map is updated as the golfer moves until another clubidentifier is received at 4403 for example. If the shot is not to countas per 4408, then processing continues at 4402 without any update of thetotal shot count and the queried shot display, for example at 4302 c maybe removed from the display (see FIG. 43). Other embodiments may utilizea starting zone for each hole of a golf course or may allow other inputsfor the golfer to signify which hole the shot is to count for. By savingall of the locations of the shots and the club number of each shot,statistics may be derived for later display by the golfer, either on themobile computer or uploaded to a website for example. Any other methodof displaying the shots as obtained by embodiments of the invention isin keeping with the spirit of the invention.

FIG. 45 shows a flow chart of an embodiment of the functionalityspecifically programmed into the mobile computer and/or motion captureelement microcontroller 3802 in order to intelligently determine whetherto query a golfer to count a shot and to record shots that are sodesignated. Processing starts at 4401, for example when a golferinitializes the shot count application on the mobile computer (see FIG.1 as well for different embodiments of the mobile computer), or forembodiments where the motion capture element stores data for an entireround without interfacing with a mobile computer, when the motioncapture element moves. The mobile computer, if one is utilized at thetime, may display a map at 4402 as obtained for example over theInternet or stored locally based on a GPS position determined by themobile computer (or by known triangulation techniques as previouslydescribed). The mobile computer, again if one is being utilized at thetime, may then read an identifier associated with a club at 4403. Themobile computer may utilize RFID reader 190, or for embodiments that donot utilize RFID, may use BLUETOOTH® for example to read an identifierfor a club from the motion capture element if one exists. If multipleclubs are within range, then the system may query the user as to whichclub, or the club with the strongest signal may be automatically chosenfor example. Any other method of arbitrating the identifier of the clubis in keeping with the spirit of the invention. For example, RFID reader190 may be purposefully limited in range so that only a club in nearproximity to the mobile computer, as worn for example by the golfer, isreadable. Optionally, if the mobile computer, if one is being used, isstationary for a threshold T amount of time at 4404, then the mobilecomputer may either optionally determine if the mobile computer hasrotated or moved in a manner that is indicative of a golf swing or puttat 4405, or if a strike has occurred (see FIGS. 46-48) or simplyoptionally wait until the mobile computer has moved from the currentposition at 4406 for example, which occurs once a golfer has finished ashot or putt. For example, current mobile computers may be equipped withmotion detection elements internally, and which are therefore able todetermine if a user has rotated (for a driver) or translated slightly(for a putter) for example, and determine that a shot (or practiceswing/shot) has occurred. Embodiments of the invention may also checkfor rotation or movement of the mobile computer and/or check for astrike alone or in combination. Embodiments of the invention may alsocheck for both a rotation or movement indicative of a shot and a strikeoccurrence from a motion capture element to indicate that a shot hasoccurred for a robust embodiment. Alternatively, the motion captureelement alone may be utilized to determine if a strike has occurred,which represents a potential shot to count. See FIGS. 46-48 for example.The mobile computer then queries the golfer at 4407 as to whether or notto count the shot and accepts any desired input gesture to indicatewhether to count or not count the shot. For example, by allowing theuser to input a shake or rotation of the mobile computer, that commonlyhave orientation and motion sensors built in, then the golfer is notrequired to take any gloves off, which is generally required to activatethe touch screen features of some mobile computers. Querying the usermay include use of a vibration component in the mobile computer, i.e.,so that no sound is required to query the golfer, which may upset othergolfer attempting to concentrate. If the golfer determines that the golfshot should be counted, then the status of the shot may be updated toindicate that the shot has counted, and for example the location on thecourse where the shot occurred. In addition, processing continues at4402 where the map is updated as the golfer moves until another clubidentifier is received at 4403 for example. If the shot is not to countas per 4408, then processing continues at 4402 without any update of thetotal shot count and the queried shot display, for example at 4302 c maybe removed from the display (see FIG. 43). Other embodiments may utilizea starting zone for each hole of a golf course or may allow other inputsfor the golfer to signify which hole the shot is to count for. By savingall of the locations of the shots and the club number of each shot,statistics may be derived for later display by the golfer, either on themobile computer or uploaded to a website for example. Any other methodof displaying the shots as obtained by embodiments of the invention isin keeping with the spirit of the invention.

One or more embodiments of the motion capture element collect, store,transmit and analyze data as follows. In one or more embodiment, one ormore of the sensors in the motion capture element are placed in a datacollection mode. While in the data collection mode, the motion captureelement may continuously record sensor data in memory.

FIG. 46 illustrates an embodiment of the memory utilized to store data.Memory 4601 may for example be integral to microcontroller 3802 in FIG.38 or may couple with the microcontroller, as for example a separatememory chip (not shown in FIG. 38 as one skilled in the art willrecognize that microcontroller 3802 may attach to a separate memory chipor external memory over radio/antenna 3803 that may be locatedanywhere). Memory 4601 as shown collectively in FIG. 46 may beconfigured to include one or more memory buffer 4610, 4611 and 4620,4621 respectively. One embodiment of the memory buffer that may beutilized is a ring buffer. The ring buffer may be implemented to beoverwritten multiple times until an event occurs. The length of the ringbuffer may be from 0 to N memory units. There may for example be M ringbuffers, for M strike events for example. The number M may be any numbergreater than zero. In one or more embodiments, the number M may be equalto or greater than the number of shots for a round of golf, or any othernumber for example that allows all motion capture data to be stored onthe motion capture element until downloaded to a mobile computer or theInternet after one or more shots. In one embodiment, a pointer, forexample called HEAD keeps track of the head of the buffer. As data isrecorded in the buffer, the HEAD is moved forward by the appropriateamount pointing to the next free memory unit. When the buffer becomesfull, the pointer wraps around to the beginning of the buffer andoverwrites previous values as it encounters them. Although the data isbeing overwritten, at any instance in time (t), there is recorded sensordata from time (t) back depending on the size of the buffer and the rateof recording. As the sensor records data in the buffer, an “Event” inone or more embodiments stops new data from overwriting the buffer. Uponthe detection of an Event, the sensor can continue to record data in asecond buffer 4611 to record post Event data, for example for a specificamount of time at a specific capture rate to complete the recording of aprospective shot. Memory buffer 4610 now contains a record of data for adesired amount of time from the Event backwards, depending on the sizeof the buffer and capture rate along with post Event data in the postevent buffer 4611.

For example, in a golf swing, the event can be the impact of the clubhead with the ball. Alternatively, the event can be the impact of theclub head with the ground, which could give rise to a false event. ThePre-Event buffer stores the sensor data up to the event of impact, thePost-Event buffer stores the sensor data after the impact event. One ormore embodiments of microcontroller 3802 are configured to analyze theevent and determine if the event is a strike or a false strike. If theevent is considered a strike, and not a false strike, then anothermemory buffer 4620 is used for motion capture data up until theoccurrence of a second event. After that strike occurs, the post eventbuffer 4621 is filled with captured data.

Specifically, sensor 3801 may be implemented as one or more MEMssensors. The sensors may be commanded to collect data at specific timeintervals. At each interval, data is read from the various MEMs devices,and stored in the ring buffer. A set of values read from the MEMssensors is considered a FRAME of data. A FRAME of data can be 0, 1, ormultiple memory units depending on the type of data that is beingcollected and stored in the buffer. A FRAME of data is also associatedwith a time interval. Therefore frames are also associated with a timeelement based on the capture rate from the sensors. For example, if eachFrame was filled at 2 ms intervals, then 1000 FRAMES would contain 2000ms of data (2 seconds). In general, a FRAME does not have to beassociated with time.

Data can be constantly stored in the ring buffer and written out tonon-volatile memory or sent over a wireless or wired link overradio/antenna 3803 to a remote memory or device for example at specifiedevents, times, or when communication is available over radio/antenna3803 to a mobile device or any other computer or memory, or whencommanded for example by a mobile device, i.e., “polled”, or at anyother desired event.

FIG. 47 shows a flow chart of an embodiment of the functionalityspecifically programmed into the microcontroller to determine whether aprospective strike has occurred. The shockwave that occurs from animpact to the sporting equipment is transmitted to the sensor in themotion capture element, which records the motion capture data as isdescribed in FIG. 46 above. Microcontroller 3802 is configured to thenanalyze the event and determine whether the event is a prospectivestrike with a ball for example or not.

One type of event that occurs is a strike of the clubface when itimpacts a golf ball. In other sports that utilize a ball and a strikingimplement, the same analysis is applied, but tailored to the specificsport and sporting equipment. In tennis a prospective strike can be theracquet hitting the ball, for example as opposed to spinning the racquetbefore receiving a serve. In other applications, such as running shoes,the impact detection algorithm can detect the shoe hitting the groundwhen someone is running. In exercise it can be a particular motion beingachieved, this allows for example the counting of repetitions whilelifting weights or riding a stationary bike.

For golf related scenarios, microcontroller 3802 is configured toanalyze the motion capture data to determine when the golf club forexample has impacted an object, such as but not limited to a golf ball,tee, or the ground. The impact shock wave at the club head istransmitted to the sensor. In one or more embodiments of sensor 3801,position, orientation, velocity and/or accelerometer data is collectedto sense these quantities with respect to one or more axes, for exampleaccelerations on three accelerometer axes. Since all impacts arerecorded, such as an impact of the club with a tee or the ground, theimpacts are next analyzed to determine if the strike is valid or notvalid with respect to a strike of a golf ball.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, processing starts at 4701.Microcontroller 3802 compares the motion capture data in memory 4610with linear velocity over a certain threshold at 4702, within aparticular impact time frame and searches for a discontinuity thresholdwhere there is a sudden change in velocity or acceleration above acertain threshold at 4703. If no discontinuity in velocity or forexample acceleration occurs in the defined time window, then processingcontinues at 4702. If a discontinuity does occur, then the prospectiveimpact is saved in memory and post impact data is saved for a given timeP at 4704. For example, if the impact threshold is set to 12 G,discontinuity threshold is set to 6 G, and the impact time frames is 10frames, then microcontroller 3802 signals impact, after detection of a12 G acceleration in at least one axis or all axes within 10 framesfollowed by a discontinuity of 6 G. In a typical golf swing, theaccelerations build with smooth accelerations curves. Impact is signaledas a crash and quick change in acceleration/velocity. These changes aredistinct from the smooth curves created by an incrementally increasingor decreasing curves of a golf swing. If data is to be saved externallyas determined at 4705, i.e., there is a communication link to a mobiledevice and the mobile device is polling or has requested impact datawhen it occurs for example, then the impact is transmitted to anexternal memory, or the mobile device or saved externally in any otherlocation at 4706 and processing continues again at 4702 wheremicrocontroller 3802 analyzes collected motion capture data forsubsequent impacts. If data is not to be saved externally, thenprocessing continues at 4702 with the impact data saved locally inmemory 4601.

The impact event is defined in one embodiment, as all accelerometer axesreaching an impact threshold G force within a specified time frame,called the impact time frame. This alone is not sufficient to detectimpact since a fast swing could reach the impact threshold, i.e.,without contacting the golf ball, for example a practice swing. Thediscontinuity threshold signals the rapid change of accelerometer valuesthat signify sudden impact. The impact time frame may be implemented asa sliding window that defines a time frame in which impact is detected.If the impact threshold and discontinuity threshold are reached on allaxes within the impact time frame, then impact is signaled and the eventas shown in FIG. 46, for example Event 1, is saved and data is thencollected in the next memory buffer. One or more embodiments of theinvention may transmit the event to a mobile device and/or continue tosave the events in memory, for example for a round of golf or until amobile device communication link is achieved.

For example, if impact threshold for X is reached at time t, and impactthreshold Y is reached at time t+n, and t+n is outside the impact timeframe, then no impact is detected. For example, practice swings do nottrigger impact events.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, further analysis of theimpact event occurs to reduce false positives of impact events. Asdescribed, microcontroller 3802 searches for a linear velocity to reacha certain threshold, and a discontinuity in the linear velocity. Hence,microcontroller 3802 will not trigger an impact in a full motion swingwhere there is no “crash” or physical impact. However, a prospectiveimpact event will trigger if the club is tapped on the ground or againstany other object. However, since a typical golf swing has a verycharacteristic angular and linear velocity signature, the motion capturedata may be utilized to determine whether the prospective impact was aresult of a typical golf swing. For example, microcontroller 3802 maycompare the motion capture data with this signature to predict theoccurrence of a typical golf swing, in order to classify the impact as avalid golf club and golf ball impact.

For example, with the sensor mounted in the handle, a typical golf swingsignature is shown in FIG. 48. In one or more embodiments,microcontroller 3802 is configured to execute a pattern matchingalgorithm to follow the curves for each of the axis and use segments of1 or more axis to determine if a characteristic swing has taken place.If the motion capture data in memory 4601 is within a range close enoughto the values of a typical swing as shown in FIG. 48, then the motion ofthe club is consistent with a swing, whether a practice swing or swingthat results in an impact with a golf ball. For example, axis-X shows aclimb between frame 161 to 289, followed by a steep decline between 545to 577. Microcontroller 3802 utilizes this information to recognize thatthere is a backswing, followed by a downswing. If this occurs and animpact occurs as described with respect to FIG. 47, then a valid golfclub and golf ball impact is signaled. Microcontroller 3802 may alsoutilize the time between a backswing and downswing events to validatethat a swing has taken place. Embodiments of the invention thus reducethe number of false positives in impact detection, after firstcharacterizing the angular and/or linear velocity signature of themovement, and then utilizing elements of this signature to determine ifsimilar signatures for future events have occurred.

The motion capture element collects data from various sensors. The datacapture rate is high and there is significant amounts of data that isbeing captured. Embodiments of the invention may use both lossless andlossy compression algorithms to store the data on the sensor dependingon the particular application. The compression algorithms enable themotion capture element to capture more data within the given resources.Compressed data is also what is transferred to the remote computer(s).Compressed data transfers faster. Compressed data is also stored in theInternet “in the cloud”, or on the database using up less space locally.

Over the air programming is enabled in one or more embodiments of theinvention to enable the update of the firmware stored in the motioncapture element. An initial bootloader is stored in non-volatile memoryon the motion capture element that provides the basic services tocommunicate with a remote system. There is also a dual image storagecapability on the module. Once an application image is loaded, a CRCcheck may be performed against the newly downloaded image. If thedownloaded firmware passes the various checks, then the microcontrollerboots from the new image, and the old image is flagged old.

In order to calibrate large amounts of sensors for manufacturing, one ormore embodiments of the motion capture elements may be mounting on aplatform and tested in parallel. In this manner, the electricalfunctional as well as the calibration of the various sensors may beperformed rapidly. A hexapod is one embodiment of a test bed that may beutilized to calibrate motion related parameters on multiple motioncapture elements at once.

While the ideas herein disclosed has been described by means of specificembodiments and applications thereof, numerous modifications andvariations could be made thereto by those skilled in the art withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention set forth in the claims.

1-37. (canceled)
 38. A portable wireless mobile device motion captureand analysis system comprising: at least one motion capture elementconfigured to couple with a user or piece of equipment wherein said atleast one motion capture element comprises a memory; a sensor configuredto capture any combination of values associated with an orientation,position, velocity, acceleration of said at least one motion captureelement; a radio; a microcontroller coupled with said memory, saidsensor and said radio wherein said microcontroller is configured tocollect data that comprises sensor values from said sensor; store saiddata in said memory; transmit said data via said radio; an applicationconfigured to execute on a mobile device wherein said mobile devicecomprises a computer; a display; a wireless communication interfaceconfigured to communicate with said radio to obtain said data,communicate with a remote database that is remote to said mobile device;wherein said computer is coupled with said display and wirelesscommunication interface wherein said computer executes said applicationto configure said computer to receive said data associated with said atleast one motion capture element via said wireless communicationinterface; analyze said data to form motion analysis data; display saidmotion analysis data on said display; and, store said data, or saidmotion analysis data, or both said data and said motion analysis data insaid remote database.
 39. The portable wireless mobile device motioncapture and analysis system of claim 38 wherein said microcontroller isconfigured to detect a first value from said sensor values having afirst threshold velocity or acceleration and detect a second value fromsaid sensor values having a second threshold velocity or accelerationwith a time window; signify a prospective strike; compare saidprospective strike to a characteristic signal associated with a typicalswing and eliminate any false positive strikes; signify a valid strikeif said prospective strike is not a false positive strike; save saidvalid strike in said memory.
 40. The portable wireless mobile devicemotion capture and analysis system of claim 38 wherein saidmicrocontroller is configured to store said data in memory at leastuntil a communications link to said computer exists and said data hasbeen transferred to said computer.
 41. The portable wireless mobiledevice motion capture and analysis system of claim 38 wherein saidmicrocontroller is configured to transmit said data in memory after anevent or periodically or when requested by said computer.
 42. Theportable wireless mobile device motion capture and analysis system ofclaim 38 wherein said microcontroller is configured to power off if nomotion is detected for a predefined time.
 43. The portable wirelessmobile device motion capture and analysis system of claim 38 whereinsaid microcontroller is configured to power on when motion is detected.44. The portable wireless mobile device motion capture and analysissystem of claim 38 wherein said microcontroller is configured to poweron when motion is detected via said sensor or via a passive motiondetector that requires no power.
 45. The portable wireless mobile devicemotion capture and analysis system of claim 38 wherein said computer isfurther configured to tweet said data to a social network site remote tosaid mobile device.
 46. The portable wireless mobile device motioncapture and analysis system of claim 38 further comprising a remotecomputer wherein said data in said remote database is viewed, analyzedor data mined with said remote computer.
 47. The portable wirelessmobile device motion capture and analysis system of claim 38 whereinsaid data in said remote database is utilized to play a game comprisingone or more total players wherein said game utilizes actual dataobtained from said at least one motion capture element.
 48. The portablewireless mobile device motion capture and analysis system of claim 38wherein data associated with a second user is obtained from said remotedatabase located remote to said mobile device and wherein said dataassociated with said second user is utilized to play a game with saiduser wherein said game utilizes actual data obtained from said at leastone motion capture element associated with said second user.
 49. Theportable wireless mobile device motion capture and analysis system ofclaim 38 wherein data associated with a second user is obtained fromsaid remote database located remote to said mobile device and whereinsaid data associated with said second user is utilized to play a gamewith said user wherein said game utilizes actual data obtained from saidat least one motion capture element associated with said second user andwherein said game comprises virtual reality or augmented virtualreality.
 50. The portable wireless mobile device motion capture andanalysis system of claim 38 wherein said analyze is performed todetermine how centered a collision between a ball and said piece ofequipment is based on oscillations of said at least one motion captureelement coupled with said piece of equipment and display an impactlocation based on said motion analysis data.
 51. The portable wirelessmobile device motion capture and analysis system of claim 38 whereinsaid at least one motion capture element comprises a visual marker. 52.The portable wireless mobile device motion capture and analysis systemof claim 38 wherein said mobile device comprises at least one cameracoupled with said computer and wherein said computer is configured tocommand said at least one camera to capture one or more images of saiduser and/or a visual marker associated with said at least one motioncapture element in order to obtain said data.
 53. The portable wirelessmobile device motion capture and analysis system of claim 38 whereinsaid mobile device comprises at least one camera coupled with saidcomputer and wherein said computer is configured to command said atleast one camera to capture one or more images of a second user and/or avisual marker associated with said at least one motion capture elementand transmit said one or more images to a second mobile device so that afirst and second user do not have to switch mobile devices to obtainperformance images on their respective mobile devices.
 54. The portablewireless mobile device motion capture and analysis system of claim 38further comprising one or more cameras external to said mobile devicethat are utilized to obtain one or more images that are augmented withsaid data, or said motion analysis data, or both said data and saidmotion analysis data and wherein said one or more images are thenbroadcast to televisions or to the Internet.
 55. The portable wirelessmobile device motion capture and analysis system of claim 38 furthercomprising one or more cameras external to said mobile device whereinsaid computer is configured to obtain one or more images of said userand/or said at least one motion capture element from said one or morecameras external to said mobile device and wherein said computer isconfigured to analyze said data comprises said computer furtherconfigured to form three-dimensional data from positions associated withsaid at least one motion capture element as obtained from said cameraand said one or more cameras external to said mobile device.
 56. Theportable wireless mobile device motion capture and analysis system ofclaim 38 further comprising two or more cameras external to said mobiledevice, wherein said computer is configured to obtain two or more imagesof said user and/or said at least one motion capture element from saidtwo or more cameras external to said mobile device and wherein saidcomputer is configured to analyze said data comprises said computerfurther configured to form three-dimensional data from positionsassociated with said at least one motion capture element as obtainedfrom said two or more cameras external to said mobile device.
 57. Theportable wireless mobile device motion capture and analysis system ofclaim 38 further comprising two or more cameras wherein said computer isconfigured to obtain two or more images of said user and data associatedwith said at least one motion capture element, wherein said two or moreimages are obtained from said two or more cameras and wherein saidcomputer is configured to generate a display that shows slow motion ofthe user shown from around the user at various angles at normal speed.58. The portable wireless mobile device motion capture and analysissystem of claim 38 further comprising at least one camera and anorientation module in said mobile device and coupled with said computerwherein said computer is configured to prompt said user to align said atleast one camera along a horizontal plane based on orientation dataobtained from said orientation module.
 59. The portable wireless mobiledevice motion capture and analysis system of claim 38 wherein saidcomputer is further configured to recognize said at least one motioncapture element associated with said user or said piece of equipment andassociate said at least one motion capture element with assignedlocations on said user or said piece of equipment based on movement ofeach of said at least one motion capture element respectively.
 60. Theportable wireless mobile device motion capture and analysis system ofclaim 38 wherein said computer is configured to obtain at least oneimage of said user and wherein said display of said motion analysiscomprises display of a three-dimensional overlay onto said at least oneimage of said user wherein said three-dimensional overlay is associatedwith said motion analysis data.
 61. The portable wireless mobile devicemotion capture and analysis system of claim 38 wherein said display ofsaid motion analysis comprises display of a rating or a calculated ballflight path or a time line showing points in time along a time axiswhere peak values occur or an impact location of a ball on said piece ofequipment or any combination thereof associated with said motionanalysis data.
 62. The portable wireless mobile device motion captureand analysis system of claim 38 wherein said display of said motionanalysis comprises display of a suggest training regimen to aid saiduser in improving mechanics of said user.
 63. The portable wirelessmobile device motion capture and analysis system of claim 38 whereinsaid computer is configured to present an interface to enable said userto purchase said piece of equipment over said wireless communicationinterface.
 64. The portable wireless mobile device motion capture andanalysis system of claim 38 wherein said computer is configured presentan interface to enable said user to order a customer fitted piece ofequipment over said wireless communication interface.
 65. The portablewireless mobile device motion capture and analysis system of claim 38further comprising a battery coupled with said at least one motioncapture element and further coupled with a mechanical charger.
 66. Theportable wireless mobile device motion capture and analysis system ofclaim 38 further comprising: an identifier coupled with said piece ofequipment; said mobile device further comprising an input deviceconfigured to accept a user input from said user; said computer furtherconfigured to obtain said identifier and query said user as to whetherto increment a shot count.
 67. The portable wireless mobile devicemotion capture and analysis system of claim 66 wherein said identifieris associated with a passive RFID or is associated with saidmicrocontroller or obtained remotely by said microcontroller over saidradio.
 68. The portable wireless mobile device motion capture andanalysis system of claim 66 wherein said computer is further configuredto query said user to increment said shot count when said user has movedover a threshold distance.
 69. The portable wireless mobile devicemotion capture and analysis system of claim 66 wherein said mobiledevice further comprises an accelerometer configured as an input deviceto accept an input from said user to increment a shot count.
 70. Theportable wireless mobile device motion capture and analysis system ofclaim 66 wherein said mobile device comprises a position determinationcomponent configured to mark a location associated with said incrementof said shot count.
 71. The portable wireless mobile device motioncapture and analysis system of claim 66 wherein said mobile devicecomprises a position determination component configured to mark alocation associated with said increment of said shot count and presentsaid location on a map shown on said display of said mobile device. 72.A portable wireless mobile device motion capture and analysis systemcomprising: at least one motion capture element configured to couplewith a user or piece of equipment wherein said at least one motioncapture element comprises a memory a sensor configured to capture anycombination of values associated with an orientation, position,velocity, acceleration of said at least one motion capture element; aradio; a microcontroller coupled with said memory, said sensor and saidradio wherein said microcontroller is configured to collect data thatcomprises sensor values from said sensor; store said data in saidmemory; transmit said data via said radio; an application configured toexecute on a mobile device wherein said mobile device comprises acomputer; a display; a wireless communication interface configured tocommunicate with said radio to obtain said data, communicate with aremote database that is remote to said mobile device; wherein saidcomputer is coupled with said display, said wireless communicationinterface, and at least one camera local to said mobile device or remoteto said mobile device wherein said computer executes said application toconfigure said computer to recognize said at least one motion captureelement associated with said user or said piece of equipment andassociate said at least one motion capture element with assignedlocations on said user or said piece of equipment; receive said dataassociated with said at least one motion capture element via saidwireless communication interface; command said at least one camera tocapture one or more images of said user or obtain said one or moreimages from at least one remote camera that is remote to said mobiledevice; analyze said data to form motion analysis data; display saidmotion analysis data on said display in the form of any combination ofone or more of a three-dimensional overlay onto at least one of said oneor more images of said user, a rating, a calculated ball flight path, atime line showing points in time along a time axis where peak valuesoccur,  an impact location of a ball on said piece of equipment, a slowmotion display of the user shown from around the user at various anglesat normal speed; and, store said data, or said motion analysis data, orboth said data and said motion analysis data in said remote database.73. A portable wireless mobile device motion capture and analysis systemcomprising: at least one motion capture element configured to couplewith a user or piece of equipment wherein said at least one motioncapture element comprises a memory a sensor configured to capture anycombination of values associated with an orientation, position,velocity, acceleration of said at least one motion capture element; aradio; a microcontroller coupled with said memory, said sensor and saidradio wherein said microcontroller is configured to collect data thatcomprises sensor values from said sensor; store said data in saidmemory; detect a first value from said sensor values having a firstthreshold velocity or acceleration and detect a second value from saidsensor values having a second threshold velocity or acceleration with atime window; signify a prospective strike; compare said prospectivestrike to a characteristic signal associated with a typical swing andeliminate any false positive strikes; signify a valid strike if saidprospective strike is not a false positive strike; save said validstrike as data in said memory; transmit said data via said radio. 74.The portable wireless mobile device motion capture and analysis systemof claim 73 further comprising: an application configured to execute ona mobile device wherein said mobile device comprises a computer; adisplay; a wireless communication interface configured to communicatewith said radio to obtain said data, communicate with a remote databasethat is remote to said mobile device; wherein said computer is coupledwith said display, said wireless communication interface, and at leastone camera local to said mobile device or remote to said mobile devicewherein said computer executes said application to configure saidcomputer to recognize said at least one motion capture elementassociated with said user or said piece of equipment and associate saidat least one motion capture element with assigned locations on said useror said piece of equipment; receive data associated with said at leastone motion capture element via said wireless communication interface;command said at least one camera to capture one or more images of saiduser or obtain said one or more images from at least one remote camerathat is remote to said mobile device; analyze said data to form motionanalysis data; display said motion analysis data on said display in theform of any combination of one or more of a three-dimensional overlayonto at least one of said one or more images of said user, a rating, acalculated ball flight path, a time line showing points in time along atime axis where peak values occur, an impact location of a ball on saidpiece of equipment, a slow motion display of the user shown from aroundthe user at various angles at normal speed; and, wherein said computeris further configured to present an interface to enable said user topurchase said piece of equipment or order a custom fitted piece ofequipment over said wireless communication interface.